Thu Oct 31 04:00:00 UTC 2024: ## Washington Post Loses 10% of Digital Subscribers After Dropping Presidential Endorsement
**WASHINGTON D.C. -** The Washington Post has experienced a dramatic drop in subscribers following its decision to forgo a presidential endorsement, losing an estimated 250,000 digital subscribers since the announcement last Friday.
The move, which broke with decades-long tradition, sparked immediate backlash from readers and former staffers who accused the paper of “craven” and “cowardly” behavior. Many saw the decision as an attempt by billionaire owner Jeff Bezos to appease a potential second Trump administration, especially after it was revealed that the Post’s editorial board had drafted an endorsement of Kamala Harris before Bezos intervened.
Bezos, in a rare op-ed, defended the decision, attributing the timing to “inadequate planning” and dismissing speculation of a quid pro quo with Trump. He claimed the decision was aimed at restoring reader trust and maintaining the perception of journalistic independence.
Despite Bezos’ attempt to quell the controversy, the move has drawn criticism from journalists and media experts who point to the potential financial implications. The loss of subscribers, while not a significant sum for Bezos’ vast wealth, represents a considerable blow to the Post’s revenue and readership.
The Los Angeles Times, which also opted against endorsing Harris after a similar veto from its billionaire owner, has faced similar backlash and scrutiny.
The decision to forgo presidential endorsements comes at a critical time, just weeks before the election, and has ignited a debate on the role of media outlets in political discourse. The implications of this move for the future of both newspapers remain to be seen.
First Piper 