Over 250,000 Readers Unsubscribe from Washington Post Amid Non-Endorsement Controversy
More than 250,000 readers of The Washington Post canceled their subscriptions in a powerful response to the paper’s announcement that it will not endorse any candidate in the current presidential race. This decision, shared by publisher Will Lewis, marks a significant shift from The Washington Post ’s longstanding practice of endorsing candidates, sparking both backlash and resignations from key editorial members. By Tuesday, the cancellations represented about 10% of the paper’s digital subscriber base, showing how a move toward perceived neutrality in a polarized election season has sharply impacted reader loyalty.
High-profile former employees and loyal subscribers alike expressed disappointment with the decision on social media, while speculation has risen over billionaire owner Jeff Bezos’s motives in making this choice so close to Election Day. Some former Washington Post staff members, including renowned former editor Marty Baron, have criticized the decision as overly cautious or even “cowardly.” Many see the timing as suggesting a preemptive move to avoid potential friction with a future administration—particularly if Donald Trump were to win re-election, given his known animosity toward critical media outlets.
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Rumors swirled that The Washington Post ’s editorial board had initially drafted an endorsement for Kamala Harris, but reports suggest Bezos intervened to prevent it from being published. Bezos has publicly addressed the situation, arguing that ending the endorsement tradition reinforces the publication’s mission to provide unbiased reporting. In an op-ed, Bezos acknowledged that the timing, so close to the election, might raise questions about his intentions. Still, he firmly denied any quid pro quo with political figures and emphasized the change as a decision to build credibility rather than one based on appeasement or self-interest.
This decision aligns with a similar non-endorsement stance from The Los Angeles Times, which saw a considerable loss in subscribers shortly after announcing its position. That paper’s billionaire owner, Patrick Soon-Shiong, has also faced backlash, particularly from readers and staff who saw this move as undermining the voice of the editorial team.
Adding to the complexity, Bezos’s own ventures, such as Amazon and Blue Origin, have substantial federal contracts. His communication with Trump, especially following the former president’s recent high-profile incident on the campaign trail, has only fueled suspicions. Bezos defended his call to Trump, labeling it a gesture of concern and stating that he was unaware of any timing conflicts between Trump’s campaign schedule and the Washington Post ’s decision. However, this clarification did little to calm those who believe Bezos’s choice was influenced by his business dealings with the government.
From a financial standpoint, losing 250,000 subscribers is impactful for any publication, even one backed by Bezos. But, for the Post, such a decline signals more than just lost revenue; it marks a major shift in reader trust and engagement. The backlash suggests that while readers seek non-biased journalism, they also expect media outlets to take principled stands in critical moments. For now, both The Washington Post and The Los Angeles Times will need to carefully navigate the fallout and assess how non-endorsement policies impact their reputations, readership, and revenue—especially in the lead-up to one of the nation’s most highly charged elections.
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