Washington Post will prioritize freedoms and free market in opinion

“I am writing to inform about a change that is coming on our opinion pages. Let’s write every day in support and defense of two pillars: personal freedoms and free markets. We will cover other topics too, of course, but points of view contrary to these pillars will be left to be published by others, ”said Bezos.

The decision marks an editorial turn within the newspaper, which for decades had adopted a more aligned positioning to progressivism. For Bezos, this approach became obsolete with the rise of the internet.

“There was a time when a newspaper, especially one that held the local monopoly, could consider a service to bring daily to the reader’s door a comprehensive opinion section that would seek to cover all views. Today, the internet already does this work. I’m part of America and I’m in America, and I’m proud of it. Our country has not been here being common. And a large part of the success of the United States is due to freedom – both economic and all others. Freedom is ethical – because it minimizes coercion – and practical – because it drives creativity, invention and prosperity, ”he wrote.

The change also resulted in the departure of David Shibipley, who commanded the newspaper’s opinion editor. Bezos explained that he offered him the opportunity to “lead this new chapter,” but Shipley refused.

“I suggested to him that if the answer was not an absolute ‘yes’, then it should be an ‘no’. After careful consideration, David decided to move away. This is a significant change, it will not be easy and will require 100% commitment – respect your decision, ”wrote Bezos, who also owns Amazon, giant of e-commerce.

In an internal email obtained by the American station CNNShipley explained his departure, stating that he made the decision “after reflecting on how I can move on in the profession I love.” The journalist also highlighted the awards won by the team under his leadership, including two Pulitzer awards – the most prestigious awards of journalism in the US – and two Loeb Awards – a prestigious award that recognizes excellence in financial and business journalism.

The newspaper’s direction now seeks a substitute that is aligned with the principles adopted by Bezos. In an internal statement, quoted by CNNWill Lewis, CEO do The Washington Posthe stated that the choice of the new editor will be made “in due time” and that the position will be occupied by “someone who fully supports the free market and individual freedoms.”

Conservative personalities praised the new editorial direction. Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USAclassified change as a sign that “culture is changing quickly for the better.” Elon Musk, who has been a frequent critic of the mainstream media, also celebrated Bezos’s decision by commenting on “Bravo, Jeff Bezos!” in X.

“I have confidence that free market and individual freedoms are the right way for the United States. I also believe that these points of view are underrected in the current market of ideas and opinions. I am excited to fill this gap together, ”concluded Bezos.