In a recent update, the Washington Post announced on Friday that British journalist Robert Winnett will no longer be taking over as the newspaper’s top editor. The decision was shared by the Post’s publisher and chief executive, Will Lewis, in a memo to staff.
“Robert Winnett has withdrawn from the position of Editor at The Washington Post,” Lewis stated in the memo. Winnett, who was set to join the Post following the November election, will now continue as the deputy editor of London’s Telegraph newspaper.
This development comes after Winnett’s journalistic integrity was called into question in a front-page expose published by the Post. The article revealed that Winnett had used materials from a self-described “thief” for reporting, leading to concerns about his credibility.
The news of Winnett’s withdrawal from the Post comes amidst ongoing turmoil at the publication over ethics issues facing Lewis. The former Rupert Murdoch lieutenant has been accused of aiding in covering up a phone hacking scandal in the UK involving senior executives.
Despite denial of any wrongdoing by Lewis, reports have surfaced alleging his involvement in advising former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson during the “Partygate” scandal. Lewis and Johnson have refuted these claims.
Within the Post’s newsroom, morale has plummeted as staffers express dismay over Lewis’ actions and uncertainty about the newspaper’s future direction under his leadership. Interviews with Post employees and insiders have revealed a workforce growing increasingly disenchanted with the situation.
Owner Jeff Bezos, who has yet to address the crisis directly, reiterated his commitment to high standards in a memo to newsroom leadership. However, he has not taken concrete steps to address the staff’s concerns.
In response to Winnett’s withdrawal, Lewis announced plans to launch a new search for a new editor. Matt Murray, a former top editor at The Wall Street Journal, will continue in his interim role at the Post.
Despite staff concerns, Lewis indicated his intention to stay at the newspaper. Calls for leadership changes at the Post have been amplified by two Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists, David Maraniss and Scott Higham.
As the situation at the Post continues to unfold, independent corporate governance experts have advised that Lewis should step down. Yale School of Management professor Jeffrey Sonnenfeld suggested that Bezos should dismiss Lewis, citing a loss of legitimacy in his leadership.
The ongoing crisis at the Post has raised questions about the future of the publication and the need for decisive action to restore trust and integrity.
