Washington Post Loses 200,000 Subscribers Amid Non-Endorsement

The Washington Post has experienced a substantial loss of over 200,000 subscriptions, approximately 8% of its total paid circulation, following its controversial decision not to endorse a presidential candidate in the upcoming election. This move marks a significant departure from the newspaper's long-standing tradition of endorsing candidates and has faced backlash from both readers and staff, leading to several resignations from its editorial board. Critics, including former editor Marty Baron, have labeled the decision as 'cowardice', citing concerns over democracy's integrity. Reports indicate that the editorial board had initially prepared to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris but ultimately chose neutrality, which has led to widespread dissatisfaction among readers. This situation mirrors similar challenges faced by other publications, such as the Los Angeles Times, which also reported subscriber losses after opting not to endorse. As the Post navigates this fallout, it faces both internal dissent and external scrutiny regarding its editorial choices.