Reports Emerge About New Wash Po Head
A recent investigative story in The Washington Post about their new publisher and CEO, William Lewis, along with an incoming top editor, included an unexpected detail: Lewis "declined to comment through a Post spokesperson in response to a list of detailed questions" — from his own reporters.
This situation is significant because the storied Post newsroom is currently in turmoil over Lewis' handling of several internal controversies over the past two weeks. One major issue is the increased scrutiny over Lewis' involvement in a phone hacking scandal that shook Britain's Fleet Street in the 2000s. Despite the allegations, Lewis has denied any wrongdoing.
The front pages of Monday's editions of both The Washington Post and The New York Times feature articles examining Lewis' past in the U.K. The Post's article, which was added to the front page late at night, questions the journalistic ethics of Robert Winnett, a London editor set to become the Post's top editor after November's election.
Lewis, who has worked with Winnett at two British papers, praised him as a "brilliant investigative journalist." Conversely, The Times story claims that two decades ago in London, Lewis "used fraudulently obtained phone and company records in newspaper articles."
In response to the controversy, The Post announced on Monday that due to "perceived and potential conflicts," former senior managing editor Cameron Barr, who stepped down last year and has been working as a senior associate editor, will oversee the paper's coverage of Lewis-related controversies.
A Post spokesperson emphasized that they cover their own organization "independently, rigorously and fairly," and that as publisher, Lewis "has no involvement in or influence on our reporting."
When approached by Axios for comments on both the Post and Times stories, a Post spokesperson reiterated that Lewis declined to comment. During recent "Say It" employee listening sessions, Lewis stated that his role as publisher is to create an environment conducive to great journalism and to support it without interfering, clearly delineating the lines that should not be crossed.
The internal controversies and external scrutiny continue to unfold as The Washington Post navigates these complex issues, striving to maintain its journalistic integrity and independence amidst the challenges.