The former editor of The Washington Post is concerned about owner Jeff Bezos’ recent overhaul of the opinion section. But he’s confident the paper’s news side remains independent, and is urging traditional media to take specific steps to build trust with the public.
In late February, Bezos said the opinion section would only focus on the ideas of “ personal liberties and free markets ” without opposing viewpoints. Opinion editor David Shipley immediately quit. And not long after, the Post’s legal affairs columnist, Ruth Marcus, resigned after she said editors refused to publish her column that was critical of Bezos.
“I think it’s really concerning that the... opinion section is dedicated solely to a political philosophy that is aligned with Jeff Bezos’ own philosophy,” Baron told Boston Public Radio on Tuesday. Baron called it “a mistake and a bad sign” that different viewpoints will no longer be represented.
“That section has typically honored free expression in this country by allowing for a wide range of views, and allowing for civic debate and civil debate. And that’s something that Jeff Bezos previously welcomed in the Post. And for some reason now he’s decided that should no longer apply,” Baron said.
Despite changes on the opinion side, Baron said the Post’s news coverage remains rigorous and independent. He said he has not heard from anyone he knows within the newsroom that there’s been any interference by Bezos.
“And I’m grateful that hasn’t happened. I hope it never happens,” Baron said.
Still, he says there’s work that traditional media like the Washington Post need to do to build trust with their audiences, especially as they’re up against podcasts and social media to compete for people’s attention.
The press needs to continue doing the work of reporting fact-based stories, while also building back trust with the American public, Baron said. He suggested three things traditional outlets should do.
“Number one, we have to cover our entire community, our entire country — all people, not have contempt for anybody,” Baron said. This means reporting on everyday issues that are important to people.
“Most of their lives have nothing to do with politics,” he said. “We just need to reflect what they’re going through and what they hope for in a very fair, complete and thorough way.”
Second, news outlets should take steps to increase transparency.
“We can’t just tell a story, we have to show it as well,” Baron said. For example, news outlets could provide readers access to the entire court document used in reporting, or link to full audio clips and videos.
“And the message should be: ‘Check our work. You have the right, and we’re giving you the opportunity to check our work,’” Baron said.
And third, traditional media — what Baron called “fact-based press” — can learn from the podcasters and influencers how to connect with people. While alternative news outlets don’t always have accurate information, they are communicating with a voice that people want to listen to, Baron said.
“Should we just look with disdain on them, or should we learn from them?” he said. “What is it that they are doing that’s succeeding? Because they are communicating with authenticity.
“They seem like somebody you connect with, somebody that you would trust, like a friend or a family member,” he added.
Traditional media, meanwhile, focuses more on its authority: they have reporters and fact checkers, but are missing that interpersonal factor and can instead sound like a representative of a big institution.
If even another 5% of people trust the “fact-based press,” Baron said, “that will make a huge difference in our… public policy discourse. It’ll make a big difference in our politics.”
“I will be very happy if we can accomplish that,” Baron said. “I firmly believe that it’s an achievable goal.”
