Ex-Washington Post editor Marty Baron rebukes Bezos: ‘betrayal of free expression’

www.theguardian.com

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Ex-Washington Post editor Marty Baron rebukes Bezos: ‘betrayal of free expression’

www.theguardian.com

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politics English • 8 hours ago

cross-posted to:
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Lauded former editor ‘appalled’ by billionaire newspaper owner’s overhaul of opinion section to narrow focus

Summary

Former Washington Post editor Marty Baron condemned Jeff Bezos’s decision to narrow the paper’s opinion section, calling it a “betrayal of free expression.”

Bezos announced only pro-“personal liberties” and “free markets” views would be allowed, prompting the resignation of opinions editor David Shipley.

Baron suggested Bezos is appeasing Trump to repair relations, citing past actions like Amazon’s donation to Trump’s inaugural fund.

He warned the move contradicts the Post’s mission and will make its opinion section “exceptionally dull,” but praised the newsroom’s continued journalistic excellence.

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3•6 hours ago
I have no idea how close the movie Spotlight got to portraying Marty Baron, but this certainly suggests they got the portrayal right.

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