The Washington Post’s opinion editor, David Shipley, has announced his departure from the newspaper following a shift in the section's focus. This change comes as the newspaper’s owner, Jeff Bezos, expressed a desire to narrow the section’s focus to defending “personal liberties and free markets.”
In a statement, Mr. Bezos emphasized the importance of freedom in America's success. “I am of America and for America, and proud to be so,” he declared. “Our country did not get here by being typical. A big part of America’s success has been freedom in the economic realm and everywhere else. Freedom is ethical — it minimizes coercion — and practical; it drives creativity, invention, and prosperity.”
Mr. Bezos noted that he had inquired whether Mr. Shipley wished to continue at The Post. Mr. Shipley chose to decline the offer. “I suggested to him that if the answer wasn’t ‘hell yes,’ then it had to be ‘no,’” Mr. Bezos wrote. In his message to the opinion staff, Mr. Shipley reflected on his decision to step down, stating, “after reflection on how I can best move forward in the profession I love.” He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work with a dedicated team of opinion journalists who inspired him daily with their strong, innovative, and reported commentary.
The shift in focus for The Post’s opinion section suggests a possible rightward movement, aligning with the informal tagline of The Wall Street Journal’s conservative opinion pages: “Free markets, free people.” However, Will Lewis, The Post’s chief executive, clarified that the changes are “not about siding with any political party.”
“This is about being crystal clear about what we stand for as a newspaper,” Mr. Lewis explained. “Doing this is a critical part of serving as a premier news publication across America and for all Americans.” Mr. Lewis also mentioned that The Post would soon announce a replacement for Mr. Shipley and arrange for an interim editor.
