The Drip, Drip, Drip of Bad News at The Washington Post
Digest
This episode of On the Media Midweek podcast focuses on the recent controversies surrounding the Washington Post and its new publisher, Will Lewis. NPR's media correspondent David Folkenflik discusses the allegations of unethical behavior against Lewis and his chosen replacement for the executive editor, Robert Winnett, stemming from their time working in the British press. Folkenflik reveals that he was approached by Lewis, who offered him an exclusive interview about his plans for the Washington Post in exchange for dropping a story about the allegations against him. Folkenflik refused the offer, finding it unethical. He also details how Lewis allegedly pressured the former executive editor, Sally Busby, not to cover the story. Folkenflik's reporting has sparked a debate about the future of the Washington Post and its commitment to journalistic integrity. The podcast also explores the potential impact of these controversies on the institution's reputation and financial stability, particularly in light of the recent $77 million loss reported by the Post. The episode concludes with a discussion about the importance of media organizations holding themselves accountable and the challenges of covering one's own news organization.
Outlines
Introduction
This Chapter introduces the On the Media Midweek podcast and its host, Mike Alloinger. It also includes a reminder for iPhone users to subscribe to the podcast on the Apple Podcast app for automatic downloads of new episodes.
Allegations Against Will Lewis
This Chapter delves into the allegations of unethical behavior against Will Lewis, the new publisher of the Washington Post. David Folkenflik, NPR's media correspondent, shares his personal experience of being offered an exclusive interview by Lewis in exchange for dropping a story about the allegations. Folkenflik also discusses how Lewis allegedly pressured the former executive editor, Sally Busby, not to cover the story.
The Impact on the Washington Post
This Chapter examines the impact of the allegations against Lewis and Winnett on the Washington Post. Folkenflik discusses the concerns raised by Post alumni about Lewis's leadership and the potential for these controversies to damage the institution's reputation and financial stability. He also highlights the Post's commitment to journalistic integrity and the importance of holding media organizations accountable.
The Challenges of Covering One's Own News Organization
This Chapter explores the challenges of covering one's own news organization as a reporter. Folkenflik shares his experience of reporting on controversies at NPR and discusses the importance of having protocols in place to ensure journalistic integrity and independence. He also praises the Post's reporters for their thorough and tough-minded coverage of the allegations against Lewis and Winnett.
Keywords
Will Lewis
Will Lewis is the current publisher and CEO of the Washington Post. He previously served as the head of the Daily Telegraph and a former editor for Murdoch's Sunday Times in the UK. He has been accused of unethical behavior, including covering up phone hacking scandals and pressuring journalists to drop stories that implicated him. His appointment as publisher of the Washington Post has sparked controversy and raised concerns about the future of the institution.
Robert Winnett
Robert Winnett is the deputy editor of the Telegraph Media Group in London and has been chosen by Will Lewis to be the new executive editor of the Washington Post. He has been accused of unethical behavior, including engaging in questionable journalistic practices and covering up phone hacking scandals. His appointment has also been met with controversy and raised concerns about the future of the Washington Post.
Washington Post
The Washington Post is a major American newspaper known for its investigative journalism and commitment to journalistic integrity. It has been owned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos since 2013. The recent controversies surrounding its new publisher, Will Lewis, and his chosen replacement for the executive editor, Robert Winnett, have raised concerns about the future of the institution and its commitment to journalistic standards.
Phone Hacking
Phone hacking is the illegal practice of intercepting and accessing someone's phone messages or voicemail without their consent. It has been a major scandal in the UK, particularly involving Rupert Murdoch's newspapers. The allegations against Will Lewis and Robert Winnett involve their alleged involvement in phone hacking scandals during their time working in the British press.
Rupert Murdoch
Rupert Murdoch is a media mogul who owns a vast media empire, including News Corporation, Fox News, and The Wall Street Journal. He has been accused of unethical behavior, including phone hacking scandals and promoting right-wing ideologies. His influence on the media landscape has been a subject of debate and scrutiny.
Journalistic Ethics
Journalistic ethics are a set of principles that guide journalists in their work. These principles include truthfulness, accuracy, fairness, independence, and accountability. The allegations against Will Lewis and Robert Winnett have raised questions about their adherence to journalistic ethics and the importance of upholding these principles in the media industry.
Jeff Bezos
Jeff Bezos is the founder of Amazon and the owner of the Washington Post. He has been a controversial figure in the tech industry and has been criticized for his business practices and wealth. His ownership of the Washington Post has raised questions about the potential for conflicts of interest and the influence of big tech on journalism.
On the Media
On the Media is a weekly public radio program that explores the intersection of media, culture, and politics. It is produced by WNYC Studios and is known for its critical analysis of the media landscape and its commitment to journalistic integrity.
Q&A
What are the allegations against Will Lewis and Robert Winnett?
Will Lewis and Robert Winnett, both former journalists in the UK, are accused of unethical behavior, including covering up phone hacking scandals and pressuring journalists to drop stories that implicated them. These allegations stem from their time working in the British press, particularly at Murdoch's newspapers.
How did David Folkenflik become involved in the story?
Folkenflik was working on a story about the legal challenges facing Rupert Murdoch's British newspaper arm when he came across evidence that implicated Lewis in a cover-up. Lewis then contacted Folkenflik and offered him an exclusive interview about his plans for the Washington Post in exchange for dropping the story. Folkenflik refused the offer, finding it unethical.
What are the potential consequences of these controversies for the Washington Post?
The controversies surrounding Lewis and Winnett have raised concerns about the future of the Washington Post and its commitment to journalistic integrity. Some Post alumni have called for Lewis to be removed from his position, and there are concerns that these controversies could damage the institution's reputation and financial stability.
What are the challenges of covering one's own news organization?
Covering one's own news organization can be challenging, as it requires journalists to maintain objectivity and independence while reporting on potentially sensitive issues. Folkenflik discusses the importance of having protocols in place to ensure journalistic integrity and independence, such as bringing in outside editors and lawyers to review stories.
What is the significance of these controversies for the future of journalism?
These controversies highlight the importance of journalistic ethics and accountability in the media industry. They also raise questions about the influence of big tech on journalism and the potential for conflicts of interest. The future of journalism depends on media organizations upholding the highest standards of journalistic integrity and holding themselves accountable for their actions.
Show Notes
Over the past few months, The Washington Post has weathered a slate of unfavorable news. In May, publisher and CEO Will Lewis revealed the Post lost 77 million dollars last year. Lewis also announced a big restructuring and, as reported by Semafor’s Max Tani, the paper’s chief technology officer should have "AI everywhere in our newsroom."
But then things started changing at the top of the news organization. Sally Buzbee, who had served as the executive editor for the Post over the last three years, resigned. And in the wake of her departure CEO Will Lewis, and his chosen replacement for Buzbee, Robert Winnett, became the center of multiple investigations. Allegations of paying sources, using informants who secured scoops via deception, and even approving destruction of evidence have now made headlines. This week, Micah sits down with NPR media correspondent, David Folkenflik to make sense of the news, and what it all might mean for one of America’s most storied papers.
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