The Washington Post is one of the most influential newspapers in the United States, and its ownership has been the subject of much speculation and debate. In this article, we take a closer look at who owns the Washington Post and explore the history and background of its ownership.
The Washington Post was founded in 1877 by Stilson Hutchins, a former Civil War soldier and lawyer. Hutchins initially owned and operated the newspaper himself, but in 1880 he sold it to a group of investors led by Frank Hatton, a former U.S. Postmaster General. Hatton's group ran the newspaper for the next 15 years, during which time it became known for its strong reporting and editorials.
In 1895, the Washington Post was sold again, this time to Eugene Meyer, a wealthy financier and philanthropist. Meyer owned the newspaper for the next 55 years, during which time he transformed it into one of the most respected newspapers in the United States. Meyer was known for his commitment to journalistic excellence and his willingness to take on powerful interests.
who owns washington post
The Washington Post has a long and storied history, and its ownership has changed hands several times over the years.
- Founded in 1877
- Owned by Stilson Hutchins
- Sold to Frank Hatton in 1880
- Purchased by Eugene Meyer in 1895
- Owned by Meyer family for 55 years
- Sold to Jeff Bezos in 2013
The Washington Post is currently owned by Jeff Bezos, the founder and former CEO of Amazon. Bezos purchased the newspaper in 2013 for $250 million.
Founded in 1877
The Washington Post was founded on December 6, 1877, by Stilson Hutchins, a former Civil War soldier and lawyer. Hutchins had a vision of creating a newspaper that would be independent, informative, and influential. He named the newspaper the Washington Post after the city where it was founded and the U.S. Postal Service, which was responsible for delivering newspapers at the time.
Hutchins initially owned and operated the newspaper himself, but in 1880 he sold it to a group of investors led by Frank Hatton, a former U.S. Postmaster General. Hatton's group ran the newspaper for the next 15 years, during which time it became known for its strong reporting and editorials.
In 1895, the Washington Post was sold again, this time to Eugene Meyer, a wealthy financier and philanthropist. Meyer owned the newspaper for the next 55 years, during which time he transformed it into one of the most respected newspapers in the United States. Meyer was known for his commitment to journalistic excellence and his willingness to take on powerful interests.
The Washington Post has continued to be a leading newspaper in the United States under the ownership of the Meyer family and, more recently, Jeff Bezos. The newspaper has won numerous awards for its journalism, including 21 Pulitzer Prizes.
The Washington Post is an important part of the American media landscape, and its history is closely intertwined with the history of the United States. The newspaper has played a vital role in informing the public and holding those in power accountable.
Owned by Stilson Hutchins
Stilson Hutchins was a fascinating and complex figure who played a pivotal role in the early history of the Washington Post. Born in New Hampshire in 1838, Hutchins served in the Union Army during the Civil War, rising to the rank of captain. After the war, he studied law and began practicing in Washington, D.C.
Hutchins was a strong believer in the power of the press, and he saw the Washington Post as a vehicle for promoting his political and social views. He was a staunch supporter of the Republican Party and a vocal critic of President Andrew Johnson. Hutchins's editorials were often controversial, but they were also widely read and respected.
Under Hutchins's ownership, the Washington Post became known for its aggressive reporting and its willingness to take on powerful interests. The newspaper played a leading role in exposing the corruption of the Grant administration, and it was one of the first newspapers to call for Johnson's impeachment.
Hutchins's ownership of the Washington Post was not without its challenges. The newspaper was often on the brink of financial ruin, and Hutchins himself was frequently sued for libel. But Hutchins remained committed to his vision of an independent and influential newspaper, and he never wavered in his belief that the Washington Post could make a difference in the world.
Hutchins's legacy is a complex one. He was a brilliant journalist and a tireless advocate for the public interest. But he was also a controversial figure who often rubbed people the wrong way. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that Hutchins played a major role in shaping the early history of the Washington Post and in establishing its reputation as one of the leading newspapers in the United States.
Sold to Frank Hatton in 1880
In 1880, Stilson Hutchins was facing mounting financial difficulties. The Washington Post was on the brink of bankruptcy, and Hutchins was being sued for libel by several prominent politicians. In a desperate attempt to save the newspaper, Hutchins sold it to a group of investors led by Frank Hatton, a former U.S. Postmaster General.
Hatton was a wealthy and influential man, but he had no experience in the newspaper business. He appointed his son, Frank Hatton Jr., as the new publisher of the Washington Post. Hatton Jr. was a young and ambitious journalist, and he quickly set about making changes to the newspaper.
Hatton Jr. modernized the Washington Post's operations and expanded its coverage of national news. He also hired a number of talented journalists, including Murat Halstead, a former editor of the Cincinnati Commercial Tribune. Under Hatton Jr.'s leadership, the Washington Post became more popular and influential than ever before.
Hatton Jr. also used the Washington Post to promote his own political ambitions. He was a close friend of President James A. Garfield, and he used the newspaper to attack Garfield's opponents. This made the Washington Post a target for criticism, but it also helped to raise the newspaper's profile.
Hatton Jr. owned the Washington Post for 15 years, during which time he transformed it into one of the most important newspapers in the United States. He sold the newspaper to Eugene Meyer in 1895, but his legacy continues to this day. The Washington Post is still one of the most respected newspapers in the world, and it is known for its independent journalism and its commitment to the public interest.
Purchased by Eugene Meyer in 1895
In 1895, Frank Hatton Jr. sold the Washington Post to Eugene Meyer, a wealthy financier and philanthropist. Meyer was a complex and fascinating figure who played a major role in the history of the newspaper.
Meyer was born into a wealthy family in California in 1875. He attended Yale University and then worked as a stockbroker in New York City. In 1901, Meyer married Agnes Ernst, the daughter of a prominent Washington, D.C. banker. The couple had five children.
Meyer was a brilliant businessman and a gifted writer. He was also a passionate advocate for social justice. In 1919, Meyer purchased the Washington Post with the goal of using it to promote his progressive political views.
Meyer immediately began to make changes to the Washington Post. He hired a new editor, David Lawrence, and he expanded the newspaper's coverage of national and international news. Meyer also used the Washington Post to attack the policies of President Warren G. Harding and his successor, Calvin Coolidge.
Meyer's ownership of the Washington Post was not without its challenges. The newspaper was often on the brink of financial ruin, and Meyer was frequently criticized for his outspoken editorials. But Meyer remained committed to his vision of an independent and influential newspaper, and he never wavered in his belief that the Washington Post could make a difference in the world.
Owned by Meyer family for 55 years
Eugene Meyer owned the Washington Post for 55 years, from 1895 to 1955. During that time, he transformed the newspaper into one of the most respected and influential newspapers in the United States.
Meyer was a brilliant journalist and a tireless advocate for the public interest. He was also a shrewd businessman, and he managed to keep the Washington Post afloat during some very difficult financial times.
Under Meyer's leadership, the Washington Post won numerous awards for its journalism, including 10 Pulitzer Prizes. The newspaper also played a leading role in exposing corruption and holding those in power accountable.
Meyer's son, Philip Graham, took over as publisher of the Washington Post in 1946. Graham continued his father's tradition of journalistic excellence, and he also expanded the newspaper's coverage of national and international news.
The Meyer family's ownership of the Washington Post came to an end in 1955, when Philip Graham sold the newspaper to a group of investors led by Katharine Graham, his wife. Katharine Graham owned the Washington Post for the next 46 years, and she continued the family's tradition of journalistic excellence.
Sold to Jeff Bezos in 2013
In 2013, the Washington Post was sold to Jeff Bezos, the founder and former CEO of Amazon. Bezos paid $250 million for the newspaper, which was a fraction of its former value.
- Bezos's purchase of the Washington Post was a surprise to many people.
Bezos had no experience in the newspaper business, and he was known for his focus on technology and e-commerce. However, Bezos said that he was attracted to the Washington Post's "important role in the community" and its "potential to continue to make a difference in the world."
- Bezos has made a number of changes to the Washington Post since he took ownership.
He has invested heavily in the newspaper's digital operations, and he has hired a number of experienced journalists. Bezos has also given the Washington Post more freedom to pursue investigative journalism.
- Bezos's ownership of the Washington Post has been controversial.
Some critics have accused him of using the newspaper to promote his own business interests and of interfering with the newspaper's editorial independence. However, Bezos has defended his ownership of the Washington Post, saying that he is committed to the newspaper's mission of providing "independent, high-quality journalism."
- The future of the Washington Post under Bezos's ownership is uncertain.
Bezos has said that he is committed to the newspaper's long-term success, but it remains to be seen how he will balance his business interests with the newspaper's journalistic mission.
Despite the challenges, the Washington Post remains one of the most important newspapers in the United States. The newspaper has a long and distinguished history, and it is known for its independent journalism and its commitment to the public interest.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about who owns the Washington Post:
Question 1: Who currently owns the Washington Post?
Answer 1: Jeff Bezos, the founder and former CEO of Amazon, currently owns the Washington Post.
Question 2: When did Jeff Bezos purchase the Washington Post?
Answer 2: Jeff Bezos purchased the Washington Post in 2013.
Question 3: How much did Jeff Bezos pay for the Washington Post?
Answer 3: Jeff Bezos paid $250 million for the Washington Post.
Question 4: Why did Jeff Bezos purchase the Washington Post?
Answer 4: Jeff Bezos said that he was attracted to the Washington Post's "important role in the community" and its "potential to continue to make a difference in the world."
Question 5: What changes has Jeff Bezos made to the Washington Post since he took ownership?
Answer 5: Jeff Bezos has invested heavily in the Washington Post's digital operations, hired a number of experienced journalists, and given the newspaper more freedom to pursue investigative journalism.
Question 6: Has Jeff Bezos's ownership of the Washington Post been controversial?
Answer 6: Jeff Bezos's ownership of the Washington Post has been controversial, with some critics accusing him of using the newspaper to promote his own business interests and of interfering with the newspaper's editorial independence.
Question 7: What is the future of the Washington Post under Jeff Bezos's ownership?
Answer 7: The future of the Washington Post under Jeff Bezos's ownership is uncertain. Bezos has said that he is committed to the newspaper's long-term success, but it remains to be seen how he will balance his business interests with the newspaper's journalistic mission.
Closing Paragraph for FAQ
These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about who owns the Washington Post. The newspaper has a long and distinguished history, and its ownership has been the subject of much speculation and debate. However, one thing is for sure: the Washington Post remains one of the most important newspapers in the United States, and it is committed to providing independent, high-quality journalism.
In addition to the information provided in the FAQ, here are some additional tips for learning more about who owns the Washington Post:
Tips
Here are four tips for learning more about who owns the Washington Post:
Tip 1: Read the Washington Post's news articles and editorials.
The Washington Post is a well-respected newspaper with a long history of journalistic excellence. By reading the newspaper's articles and editorials, you can get a sense of its values and priorities. You can also learn about the people who own and operate the newspaper.
Tip 2: Check the Washington Post's website.
The Washington Post's website has a section called "About Us" that provides information about the newspaper's history, ownership, and editorial policies. You can also find contact information for the newspaper's editor and publisher.
Tip 3: Read books and articles about the Washington Post.
There are a number of books and articles that have been written about the Washington Post. These resources can provide you with a deeper understanding of the newspaper's history, ownership, and editorial policies.
Tip 4: Attend events hosted by the Washington Post.
The Washington Post occasionally hosts events such as lectures, panel discussions, and book signings. These events are a great opportunity to learn more about the newspaper and its owners.
Closing Paragraph for Tips
By following these tips, you can learn more about who owns the Washington Post and how the newspaper operates. The Washington Post is a vital part of the American media landscape, and it is important to understand who owns and controls it.
Now that you have learned more about who owns the Washington Post, you may be wondering what the future holds for the newspaper. Will it continue to be a leading source of news and information? Or will it face challenges in the years to come? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the Washington Post has a long and distinguished history, and it is likely to continue to play an important role in American journalism for many years to come.
Conclusion
In this article, we have explored the question of who owns the Washington Post. We have learned that the newspaper has a long and storied history, and that its ownership has changed hands several times over the years.
We have also learned about some of the key figures who have owned the Washington Post, including Stilson Hutchins, Frank Hatton, Eugene Meyer, and Jeff Bezos. These individuals have all played a significant role in shaping the newspaper's history and identity.
The Washington Post is currently owned by Jeff Bezos, the founder and former CEO of Amazon. Bezos is a controversial figure, but he is also a brilliant businessman and a passionate advocate for journalism. It remains to be seen how Bezos's ownership will impact the Washington Post in the long run, but one thing is for sure: the newspaper is in good hands.
The Washington Post is one of the most important newspapers in the United States. It has a long history of journalistic excellence, and it is known for its independent reporting and its commitment to the public interest. The newspaper has played a vital role in informing the public and holding those in power accountable.
As we look to the future, it is important to remember the role that the Washington Post plays in our democracy. The newspaper is a watchdog for the public, and it helps to ensure that our government is transparent and accountable. The Washington Post is also a forum for public debate, and it helps to inform the public on important issues facing our country.
We are fortunate to have a newspaper like the Washington Post. It is a vital part of our democracy, and it helps to keep our government honest and our citizens informed.