• by Ray Schultz , November 5, 2023

The search for a new publisher for The Washington Post is over: William Lewis was named CEO and publisher, effective Jan. 2.  

Lewis is the former Dow Jones chief executive and publisher of The Wall Street Journal, who has also served at Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp. He previously worked as a business reporter, editor and editor in chief of The Daily Telegraph.

The Journal tripled its digital subscribers to 1.93 million during his tenure, according to the Post. 

Lewis has also co-founded The News Movement, an entity that delivers nonpartisan news to younger audiences on social platforms like TikTok, Instagram and YouTube. 

“As I’ve gotten to know Will, I’ve been drawn to his love of journalism and passion for driving financial success,” Washington Post owner Jeff Bezos wrote in an email to staff on Saturday, according to the story. “Will embodies the tenacity, energy and vision needed for this role. He believes that together we will build the right future for The Post. I agree.” 

Lewis succeeds Fred Ryan who left earlier this year. 

The Post is facing serious problems, including a subscriber exodus, and is expected to suffer a $100 million loss this year, the Post reports. Executives have been offered buyouts as the paper seeks a 10% reduction in headcount. 

Lewis is “very much a journalism-focused publisher,” says Emily Bell, head of the Tow Center for Digital Journalism at Columbia Journalism School. 

The search  for a new publisher was overseen by interim CEO Patty Stonesifer.