"The Washington Post" will not support Harris. Subscriptions dropped rapidly

The Washington Post announced on Friday that he would not support any candidate in the American presidential election. Since 1976, the paper has regularly supported presidential candidates, but this time, as stated, the decision to break this tradition was to be taken by Jeff Bezos, who bought the paper in 2013.

The reason for this decision was presented by William Lewis, editor-in-chief of the portal. He recalled the position of the paper from the 1960s, erstwhile it was besides decided not to support the presidential elections, stressing the importance of journalistic independence.

It was right to think, but in 1976, for understandable reasons, we changed this long-term policy and supported Jimmy Carter. But we were right before, and now we're back. - We read.

Democracy dies in the dark

Website The Washington Post Many comments came out criticizing Bezos and his influence on this decision. The commentators stress that he should stay distant from the political choices of the editorial board.

Moreover, as the readers of the portal, whose motto has been for years, notes Democracy Dies inDarkness, which is Democracy dies in the dark. Donald Trump was repeatedly referred to by his opponents as threat to democracy.

Bezos Answer

However, in an article published on Monday evening, Bezos defended his decision. He argued that the majority of the public sees the media as biased, so newspapers should strive to increase their credibility. The billionaire stressed that the decision not to support was not consulted with any of the candidates.

Expressing support for the presidential candidate has no real impact on the result of the election, but may make an impression of bias and deficiency of independency – he wrote in Bezos' explanation.

Subscription drop by 8%

According to the NPR, by noon the number of subscriptions cancelled was about 8% of the paid subscriber base The Washington Post.

Some celebrities and representatives of the political scene, specified as Stephen King and Liz Cheney, besides made akin decisions. Clear reactions besides appeared on social media. It is hard to say whether Bezos' decision was met with greater disapproval or approval among net users.

Many people inactive defend the decision of the owner The Washington Post.

The media should not support politicians. They should just do their occupation and give real news – read in the most popular comment under the material New York Post.