A wave of British editors have recently taken top positions at major American news organizations, stirring up the media landscape, reports The New York Times.
Will Lewis is the latest Briton to lead a major US newsroom, appointed last year. Formerly of London’s Daily Telegraph and News UK, Lewis now leads The Washington Post, where his Fleet Street ethics have raised concerns.
The impact of the British invasion on the media is already being felt. For instance, the Washington Post lost $77 million last year, while leadership has dropped by 50% since 2020 after CEO Will Lewis made sweeping changes to the newsroom.
Lewis's strategy to revive the Post, purchased by Jeff Bezos for $250 million, involves splitting it into three newsrooms: core news, opinion, and social media journalism. Reports also suggest Lewis attempted to block negative stories about himself.
Joining the trend
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Emma Tucker, formerly of The Sunday Times, is the new editor-in-chief of The Wall Street Journal.
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Mark Thompson, Ex-BBC head, now chairs CNN.
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John Micklewait oversees Bloomberg News.
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Keith Poole is at The New York Post.
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Daisy Veerasingham leads the Associated Press.
Why British editors?
British editors are known for their budget-savvy, competitive nature and willingness to challenge norms, making them attractive in today’s struggling media industry. Their approach contrasts with the American standards, sometimes leading to ethical clashes.
As the US presidential election approaches, these changes come at a pivotal moment for American news media. The influence of British leadership could reshape how news is reported and consumed in the US, offering a different flavor to the coverage during a critical time for the industry.