Post loses subscribers

The Washington Post has lost over 200,000 subscribers, representing approximately 8% of its total circulation, following owner Jeff Bezos's controversial decision to cease presidential endorsements just ahead of the 2024 election. Bezos argued that endorsements foster perceptions of bias and do not influence voter decisions, prompting significant backlash from both readers and journalists, including notable figures Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, who lamented the decision's timing and implications for democracy. The editorial board had prepared to endorse Kamala Harris before the halt, which led to several resignations among staff. Bezos emphasized that the decision was made internally and without consultation with any candidates, aiming to improve the newspaper's credibility amid claims of media bias. Critics suggest that the move may have been influenced by recent interactions between Trump and Bezos's aerospace company, Blue Origin, raising concerns over potential conflicts of interest. The decision has sparked a broader discussion about journalistic integrity and the role of media in elections.