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Washington Post Faces Turmoil Over CEO's Attempt to Suppress UK Phone-Hacking Stories, Buzbee's Resignation

Jun 7, 2024, 11:42 AM

The Washington Post is facing internal turmoil following allegations that its CEO, Will Lewis, attempted to suppress stories about his involvement in a UK phone-hacking scandal. The controversy began when Lewis criticized Executive Editor Sally Buzbee's decision to publish two articles about the scandal in March and May 2024. Lewis's actions have drawn widespread criticism from both inside and outside the organization, with NPR reporter David Folkenflik rejecting Lewis's offer to kill a story in exchange for an exclusive interview. The exclusive interview was subsequently given to Dylan Byers at Puck. Former interim CEO Patty Stonesifer has returned to help stabilize the newsroom, while staffers express concerns about Lewis's leadership and the potential erosion of the newspaper's credibility. The situation has also sparked discussions about the influence of corporate media bosses on editorial decisions, with some employees considering a direct appeal to owner Jeff Bezos. Lewis has acknowledged the loss of trust and has promised to improve communication and listening within the organization. Buzbee's resignation has further complicated the situation.