Title: Jeff Bezos Embraces the Political Shadows as American Tycoons Prepare for Trump's Inauguration
The Washington Post seems to be revamping its mission, moving away from its historical commitment to hard-hitting journalism that holds power accountable, towards a focus on "Riveting Storytelling for All of America," as per a recent New York Times report. This transition happens at a momentous time, with Donald Trump set to take office once more on Monday.
Jeff Bezos, the billionaire proprietor of The Post, will even be present at the inauguration, cheering on his close ally as America transitions into an accelerated form of oligarchy.
Revealing internal discussions, the Post's chief strategy officer, Suzi Watford, has introduced a proposed slogan, "Riveting Storytelling for All of America," within a slide deck about the newspaper's future. This presentation highlights the goal to "bring a relentless investigative spirit, backed by credible sources, to deliver impactful stories in formats the world desires."
This change in slogan feels neutral, if a tad insipid, until you remember Trump's imminent return to power. The Post adopted the slogan, "Democracy Dies in Darkness," in 2017 as Trump began his first term in the White House. However, the newspaper appears to be positioning its goals to align with Trump's ideology and Bezos' commercial interests, which include substantial contracts with the U.S. government.
Indeed, numerous tech moguls will be in attendance at Trump's inauguration. These individuals see Trump as an opportunity to further expand their power and market share, fully utilizing government levers to cater to their desires. Trump's inauguration committee has raised a substantial $200 million, with major figures like Bezos and Tim Cook contributing hefty $1 million donations.
Notably, the CEO of TikTok, Shou Zi Chew, has also confirmed attending the inauguration. This is noteworthy as TikTok faces potential U.S. bans, subject to Supreme Court decisions. Despite Trump's earlier support for the ban, the situation remains unclear, with suggestions of an executiveOrder delaying the law's implementation.
The Post reportedly lost over 250,000 subscribers following revelations of Bezos' intervention in the newspaper's editorial decisions for Trump's benefit. Currently, The Post has less than 3 million digital subscribers, in stark contrast to The New York Times' approximately 11 million.
In pursuit of an audacious 200 million "paying users," The Post is speculated to explore non-traditional income streams, such as selling various products and services. However, specifics regarding this shift are still murky.
In a past era, oligarchic elements may have lurked in the shadows. With Trump's second term approaching, these players now operate in the limelight, making baffling decisions to curry favor with the President-elect. Amazon, for instance, allegedly spent $40 million on the rights for a Melania Trump documentary.
Since the election, Big Tech has been exploring ways to appease Trump, sparking concerns of being thrown into prison. While apprehension may be a factor, it's more likely that these tech giants see a lucrative market expansion opportunity under Trump's administration.
The Post's focus on "Riveting Storytelling for All of America" indicates a shift towards technology-driven storytelling in the future of journalism. With tech moguls like Jeff Bezos and Tim Cook supporting Trump's inauguration, it seems the future of technology and media may closely align with the President's interests.
