The Washington Post announced on Friday that Robert Winnett, the British journalist slated to assume the role of the newspaper’s top editor, will no longer join the publication. This decision comes amidst a prolonged crisis over ethical issues that have engulfed the renowned media outlet. In a memo to staff, Will Lewis, The Post’s publisher and CEO, expressed regret over Winnett’s withdrawal, stating that he will continue serving as deputy editor at London’s Telegraph newspaper instead.
The controversy surrounding Winnett arose following a detailed investigative report by The Washington Post itself, which highlighted concerns about his journalistic integrity. The expose, a front-page feature spanning 3,000 words, revealed that Winnett had previously used materials sourced from a self-described “thief” in his reporting. These revelations raised serious questions about his suitability to lead one of America’s most prominent newspapers.
The decision marks a significant setback for The Post, which has been grappling with broader ethical challenges under Lewis’s leadership. Lewis, a former lieutenant of Rupert Murdoch, has faced allegations related to his involvement in suppressing information during a decade-old UK phone hacking scandal, allegations he vehemently denies. The situation has been further complicated by legal actions from high-profile figures like Prince Harry, reviving scrutiny over journalistic standards at the publication.
Amidst internal turmoil, The Post’s newsroom has witnessed declining morale, with staff expressing dismay over Lewis’s conduct and uncertainty about the newspaper’s future direction. Interviews with multiple Post employees revealed a workforce increasingly disillusioned, with some actively seeking opportunities elsewhere. Owner Jeff Bezos, despite reiterating his commitment to high standards, has yet to take decisive action to address the unrest within his newsroom.
In response to Winnett’s withdrawal, Lewis announced plans to immediately initiate a new search for an editor. Matt Murray, the former top editor at The Wall Street Journal who assumed an interim role after the ousting of executive editor Sally Buzbee, will continue in his current capacity. However, the announcements have not quelled calls for leadership changes from within The Post, with Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists publicly advocating for Lewis’s resignation to restore trust and integrity within the organization.
The unfolding saga underscores broader concerns about journalistic ethics and leadership at The Washington Post, prompting reflections on its storied legacy and future direction under Bezos’s ownership. As the search for a new editor commences, the newspaper faces critical decisions in rebuilding trust and maintaining its reputation as a bastion of investigative journalism and public trust.
source: cnn.com
