British media executive Will Lewis made waves in the American journalism world this week as he announced a major overhaul of The Washington Post’s newsroom just months before a crucial US election. In a blunt statement to a room of American journalists, Lewis declared, “People are not reading your stuff,” highlighting the need for change in the struggling publication.
Lewis, a former Rupert Murdoch lieutenant known for his hard-edged journalism style, was brought in to revitalize The Washington Post, which has faced financial challenges in recent years despite its historic role in American journalism. His decision to replace editor Sally Buzbee with two of his former colleagues sparked tension among long-serving reporters, with the Post’s union expressing concern over Buzbee’s sudden exit and Lewis’s comments about the financial issues facing the company.
The clash in culture and ambition at the Post reflects a broader trend in US news media, where leaders are grappling with declining audiences and revenues. Lewis’s appointment as the latest Briton to oversee a leading US newsroom adds to a growing list of British-born executives in top media positions, including CNN chief Mark Thompson and Wall Street Journal editor Emma Tucker.
Despite the puzzlement of some US media observers over the influx of British talent, Lewis is forging ahead with his plan to turn around the Post. He emphasized the need to engage the publication’s core readership while attracting younger audiences, unveiling a strategy to split the newsroom into three sections focused on core news, opinion, and social media journalism.
Lewis’s bold approach has drawn comparisons to other British executives in US media, such as Emma Tucker, who faced protests from Wall Street Journal staff over job cuts. While some may question the dominance of Britons in top US media roles, Lewis’s track record in British journalism suggests he may bring a fresh perspective to the Post’s challenges.
As the industry grapples with declining readership and revenue, Lewis’s appointment signals a new chapter for The Washington Post as it seeks to navigate a rapidly changing media landscape. With the upcoming US election looming large, Lewis’s overhaul of the newsroom could have far-reaching implications for the publication’s future.