Podcast Summary: "Can The Washington Post Be Saved from Jeff Bezos?" on On with Kara Swisher

Release Date: March 3, 2025
Host: Kara Swisher, Vox Media

Introduction

In this compelling episode of On with Kara Swisher, Kara delves into her audacious attempt to acquire The Washington Post from its current owner, Jeff Bezos. Presenting a thorough analysis, Kara engages with esteemed panelists—Scott Galloway, Oliver Darcy, Sally Quinn, and Amanda Katz—to examine the challenges and potential future of one of America's most iconic journalism institutions.

Kara's Bid to Acquire The Washington Post

Kara begins by outlining her quest to purchase The Washington Post, acknowledging the apparent lack of interest from Jeff Bezos in both selling the newspaper and entertaining her bid. She sets the stage by sharing her deep-rooted passion for the Post, tracing her journey from a young journalist to a seasoned media figure.

Notable Quote:
Kara Swisher [02:16]: "This is a love story."

Jeff Bezos’s Ownership: A Promising Start

Initially, Jeff Bezos's acquisition of The Washington Post in 2013 was seen as a beacon of hope for the struggling newspaper. Bezos's commitment to innovation, technological integration, and respect for journalistic integrity under the leadership of Marty Baron fostered a period of stability and growth. Kara reminisces about the early days when Bezos maintained the "three Nos"—not interfering with content, not criticizing post-publication, and not proposing articles—ensuring the paper's independence.

Notable Quote:
Scott Galloway [07:24]: "Owner of the Post, I know that at times the Post is gonna write stories that are gonna make very powerful people very unhappy."

Recent Interference: The Opinion Pages Crisis

The turning point came with Bezos's recent interference in The Washington Post’s opinion section. He mandated that the opinion pages focus solely on "personal liberties" and "free markets," effectively silencing diverse viewpoints and stifling debate. This directive, announced in a company-wide email, has led to significant turmoil within the newsroom.

Notable Quote:
Kara Swisher [02:16]: "I have a plan I think would help get the Post back on its feet."

Consequences: Exodus of Journalists and Editorial Turmoil

Bezos's imposition has precipitated a mass exodus of talented journalists and editors, undermining the newspaper's legacy of fearless journalism. High-profile departures, including that of former senior managing editor Cameron Barr, highlight the depth of the crisis. The newsroom's morale has plummeted, and the quality of reporting is at risk of decline as experienced staff leave for more supportive environments.

Notable Quote:
Sally Quinn [28:35]: "You do not want to lose them. I was very stupidly lose Matteo Gold, who seemed to me to be sort of just a really good, amazing, managing, you know, brilliant journalist who could be relied upon to do excellent work."

Panelists’ Reactions and Insights

Scott Galloway:
Scott criticizes Bezos's motives, suggesting that the interference is driven by a desire to curry favor with figures like Donald Trump and Elon Musk. He questions the coherence of Bezos's directive, arguing that it lacks logical foundation and serves Bezos's self-interests rather than the newspaper's mission.

Notable Quote:
Scott Galloway [18:58]: "We know what it means. Exactly."

Sally Quinn:
Sally echoes concerns about the erosion of journalistic standards and the loss of institutional integrity. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining a diverse range of opinions and criticizes Bezos's heavy-handed approach.

Notable Quote:
Sally Quinn [55:23]: "That's what my biggest beef, I think, unfortunately, with Jeff Bezos, should not be true of Will Lewis."

Oliver Darcy:
Oliver expresses his disillusionment with Bezos’s recent actions, highlighting the departure from the "three Nos" that initially characterized Bezos's ownership. He underscores the critical role of The Washington Post in holding power accountable and fears that its integrity is being compromised.

Notable Quote:
Oliver Darcy [64:36]: "The Washington Post in my lifetime has always held power to account. It has been an independent newspaper... I have sadly concluded that the Post is retreating from this mission."

Amanda Katz:
Amanda underscores the importance of journalistic integrity and the essential role of editors in maintaining high standards. She laments the significant loss of talent and the challenges in sustaining quality journalism under the current ownership.

Notable Quote:
Amanda Katz [50:30]: "But I think the way they would cover it would be the way the Post is covering it now in the newsroom is you get the stories, you go out and get the stories. That's the only thing you can do is just make sure you have the facts and make sure that they're accurate and you've got the truth and make sure that they get in the paper."

The Ethos of The Washington Post Under Bezos

The panelists reflect on the foundational values that made The Washington Post a powerhouse of journalism. They contrast the current state under Bezos with the legacy of Ben Bradlee and Kay Graham, highlighting the shift from an environment that encouraged "troublemaking" and fearless reporting to one characterized by managerial interference and ideological alignment with Bezos's interests.

Notable Quote:
Scott Galloway [42:34]: "The Grahams and Ben had this shared kind of... feeling of like we are actually here to make trouble in society and to stir things up."

Future of The Washington Post: Paths to Redemption

The discussion turns to potential solutions and the possibility of rescuing The Washington Post from its current predicament. The panelists agree that the newspaper's survival is crucial for American democracy, emphasizing the need for ownership that prioritizes journalistic integrity over personal interests. They speculate on whether Kara's bid to purchase the Post could be a viable path to restoring its legacy.

Notable Quote:
Scott Galloway [57:54]: "It's a storied institution and I think again, in society right now we need institutions that are going to hold power to account and shed light, spotlight corruption."

Conclusion: Integrity at Stake and the Quest for Revival

Kara wraps up the episode by reflecting on the moral and ethical implications of Bezos's ownership, questioning his commitment to the principles that once defined The Washington Post. She underscores the urgent need for strong, independent journalism in preserving democracy and hints at the ongoing struggle to restore the newspaper's esteemed reputation.

Final Notable Quote:
Kara Swisher [61:35]: "We have to make sure you have the facts and make sure that they're accurate and you've got the truth and make sure that they get in the paper. That's the key."

Key Takeaways

• Bezos’s Ownership Shift: Initially promising, Bezos's recent interference with the opinion pages has undermined The Washington Post’s journalistic integrity.

• Exodus of Talent: Significant departures among journalists and editors reflect deep dissatisfaction with the current direction under Bezos.

• Impact on Journalism: The manipulation of the opinion section threatens the newspaper’s role in holding power accountable, essential for a healthy democracy.

• Potential Revival: Kara Swisher's bid to purchase the Post represents a possible avenue for restoring its legacy, contingent on new ownership committed to journalistic independence.

• Critical Importance: Maintaining a strong, independent The Washington Post is vital for competitive, truthful journalism and the sustenance of democratic values.

Select Quotes with Timestamps

• Kara Swisher [02:16]: "This is a love story."
• Scott Galloway [07:24]: "Owner of the Post, I know that at times the Post is gonna write stories that are gonna make very powerful people very unhappy."
• Sally Quinn [28:35]: "You do not want to lose them. ... you do not want to lose someone like that because of the New York Times."
• Oliver Darcy [64:36]: "The Washington Post in my lifetime has always held power to account... I have sadly concluded that the Post is retreating from this mission."
• Amanda Katz [50:30]: "The only thing you can do is just make sure you have the facts and make sure that they're accurate and you've got the truth and make sure that they get in the paper."

Final Thoughts

This episode of On with Kara Swisher offers a profound exploration of the ongoing struggles within The Washington Post under Jeff Bezos's ownership. Through insightful discussions and candid reflections, Kara and her panel highlight the broader implications for journalism and democracy, making a compelling case for the necessity of preserving and revitalizing independent media institutions.