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Who owns The Washington Post and why it is important to know?

Washington Post owner; The Washington Post is one of the most prestigious and influential newspapers in the United States,

By Ground Report 15 Mar 2023

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Who owns The Washington Post and why it is important to know?

The Washington Post is one of the most prestigious and influential newspapers in the United States, with a long and storied history.

Since its founding in 1877, the newspaper has had several owners who have helped shape its identity and legacy.

From Stilson Hutchins, the newspaper's founder, to Jeff Bezos, the current owner and founder of Amazon, each owner has left their mark on The Washington Post in their own unique way.

It has a storied history and has won multiple Pulitzer Prizes for its coverage of important events and issues. The ownership of The Washington Post has undergone several changes over the years.

Here's a brief explanation of who owns The Washington Post now:

Washington Post: a brief history

The Washington Post is a major American daily newspaper and one of the most widely read newspapers in the United States.

It was founded in 1877 by Stilson Hutchins, a journalist and entrepreneur, as a four-page broadsheet newspaper.

The first edition of The Washington Post was published on December 6, 1877, and sold for three cents.

For much of its early history, The Washington Post was a relatively small newspaper with a local focus. However, this began to change in the mid-20th century under the leadership of publisher and owner Eugene Meyer.

In particular, the newspaper played a major role in exposing the Watergate scandal, which eventually led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon in 1974.

Who is the owner of the Washington Post newspaper?

The Washington Post is owned by Nash Holdings LLC, which is a private company owned by Jeff Bezos, the founder and former CEO of Amazon.com. Bezos acquired the newspaper in 2013 for $250 million.

It is important to know who owns a major newspaper like The Washington Post because the owner has the power to shape the direction of the newspaper's editorial content and influence public opinion.

In the case of The Washington Post, Jeff Bezos has stated that he believes in the importance of a free press and has committed to maintaining the newspaper's independence and journalistic integrity.

Additionally, The Washington Post is one of the most influential newspapers in the United States and has a significant impact on national politics and public discourse. Understanding its ownership can help readers evaluate the potential biases and perspectives of the newspaper's reporting and commentary.

Previously owned by Graham family

It's worth noting that The Washington Post was previously owned by the Graham family for over 80 years. The newspaper was originally purchased by Eugene Meyer in 1933, and was later passed down to his daughter, Katharine Graham, who served as publisher from 1963 to 1991.

During her tenure, The Washington Post became famous for its coverage of the Watergate scandal, which eventually led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon.

In 2013, the Graham family sold The Washington Post to Jeff Bezos, citing financial pressures and the need to focus on other businesses.

The Washington Post Previous owners' timeline

Here is a brief overview of some of the most significant owners:

Stilson Hutchins: The Washington Post was founded by Stilson Hutchins, a journalist and entrepreneur who started the newspaper in 1877.

Frank Hatton and Beriah Wilkins: Hutchins sold the newspaper to Frank Hatton and Beriah Wilkins in 1889. They ran the newspaper for several years before selling it to John R. McLean in 1905.

John R. McLean: McLean was a wealthy businessman and politician who owned several newspapers, including The Cincinnati Enquirer and The Washington Times. He bought The Washington Post in 1905 and ran it until his death in 1916.

Edward B. McLean: John R. McLean's son, Edward B. McLean, inherited The Washington Post after his father's death. He ran the newspaper until his financial troubles forced him to sell it in 1933.

Eugene Meyer: Meyer was a wealthy financier and businessman who bought The Washington Post from Edward B. McLean in 1933. He transformed the newspaper into a national publication with a focus on political coverage and investigative journalism.

Katharine Graham: Meyer's daughter, Katharine Graham, inherited The Washington Post after her father's death in 1959. She was a groundbreaking publisher who oversaw the newspaper's expansion and growth during the 1960s and 1970s, including its coverage of the Watergate scandal.

Donald E. Graham: Katharine Graham's son, Donald E. Graham, became publisher of The Washington Post in 1979. He oversaw the newspaper's transition to the digital age and its expansion into new media ventures.