A Principled yet Poorly Timed Decision
In the world of media and journalism, principles and timing can make all the difference. Barry Diller, a close friend of Jeff Bezos, recently shared his thoughts on The Washington Post’s decision not to endorse a candidate in the upcoming presidential election.
A Blunder in Timing
According to Diller, the decision itself was “absolutely principled,” but the timing was off. “They made a blunder — it should’ve happened months before, and it didn’t, and that’s the issue with it,” he stated. As the chairperson of Expedia and IAC, Diller brings a wealth of experience in the media and online industries.
The Decision from the Top
The decision not to endorse a presidential candidate came directly from Bezos, the owner of The Washington Post. This move was met with public condemnation from staff writers, resulting in a significant number of digital subscription cancellations and the resignation of several editorial board members.
Defending the Decision
Bezos defended his position in a recent op-ed, calling the move a “meaningful step in the right direction” to restore public trust in media and journalism. He emphasized that the decision was made internally, without consulting either campaign, and that presidential endorsements do not significantly impact election outcomes.
A Conversation between Friends
Diller revealed that he spoke with Bezos following the decision, acknowledging that the timing was a mistake. “I think it was absolutely principled,” Diller said. “The mistake they made — and it was a mistake admitted by him — was timing.”
The Importance of Timing
In the world of media, timing can be crucial. A well-timed decision can make all the difference, while a poorly timed one can lead to significant backlash. The Washington Post’s decision serves as a reminder of the importance of considering timing when making key decisions.
The Future of Media
As the media landscape continues to evolve, decisions like these will shape the future of journalism and public trust. By examining the principles and timing behind such decisions, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complexities involved.
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