Executive Editor Announces Sudden Exit From The Washington Post

(WatchDogReport.org) – The Washington Post’s Publisher and CEO, William Lewis, announced on June 2 a significant change in the newspaper’s leadership. The Executive Director, Sally Buzbee, was stepping down from her position. Her departure, to be replaced by the Wall Street Journal’s former Editor-in-Chief Matt Murray, marks a significant shift in the newspaper’s direction. In a press release, Lewis acknowledged Buzbee’s immense contributions, stating that she was not only a great media executive but also an “incredible leader.”

On social media, the news of Buzbee’s departure reverberated with shock and surprise. Many journalists expressed their astonishment, as there had been no prior indications of Buzbee’s departure from The Washington Post. The timing of her replacement, just a few months before the presidential election, added to the unexpected nature of the news.

In the press release, Lewis said that Murray’s role as Buzbee’s replacement will only be temporary and will last until the end of the presidential election. The Post’s Publisher and CEO said that The Telegraph Media Group’s Editor, Robert Winnett, will officially be the newspaper’s new editor-in-chief after the electoral event.

Lewis added that the newspaper has been changing and making multiple decisions over the last few months to accommodate the audience. He explained that the most important decisions have focused on “Core” opinions and “Service/social” as the three main “journalism functions.”

In a statement, Murray said he felt “honored” to be part of such an important news institution that has been able to make an impact in journalism over the last few decades. He also said that he will always be thankful to Buzbee because of the strong leadership she showed during her time as the Post’s executive director.

Since billionaire Jeff Bezos bought the Post in 2013, the newspaper has been navigating through turbulent waters, with 2023 being a year that many staffers and journalists characterized as “chaotic.” The New York Times even revealed that the newspaper lost nearly $80 million that year.