Pressing Matters (Journalistic)
The Washington Post – Bezos Acquisition, 2013 Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Committee Description
In 2013, The Washington Post comes under the ownership of Jeff Bezos, one of the world’s wealthiest individuals, who acquires it for $250 million. The Post stands as a pillar of the American political media landscape, renowned for its reporting on government overreach, including the publication of the Pentagon Papers and the exposure of the Watergate scandal. Bezos aims to transform the Post into a profitable, globally recognized news entity, a move that divides opinion across the media world.
Some welcome the business acumen and transformative vision of Bezos, who rises to prominence and fortune through Amazon’s online retail revolution. Others, however, raise concerns that this acquisition reflects a troubling trend: the growing consolidation of U.S. media in the hands of powerful individuals and corporate giants. The Bezos acquisition marks a critical turning point in the intersection of technology, media, and journalism in the United States.
Delegates must now navigate the fallout from the Post’s ownership change and decide the future of one of the nation’s most recognizable and trusted sources of political reporting. First, they debate whether to fully embrace digital media at the expense of the Post’s print services. Should the newspaper focus on expanding its digital audience, even if it risks alienating loyal readers who lack reliable internet access? Does the Post ride the wave of digital transformation or maintain its traditional print presence?
Next, the committee addresses the crucial issue of media ethics and editorial independence. Ownership by a multi-billionaire with a vast business empire introduces the risk that critical reporting could be softened, or censored entirely, to protect those interests. Delegates must explore how to safeguard the Post’s commitment to fearless investigative journalism. Finally, labor concerns come into focus. Amazon is widely criticized for its treatment of workers and its resistance to unionization. Delegates must determine whether to protect Post employees from similar labor practices or prioritize profitability and business efficiency.
This committee challenges delegates to confront the complex themes of media consolidation, the evolution of journalism, and the growing influence of powerful corporate figures in shaping the political narrative.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact Paul Rafael Malpartida Durroux at spec@ssuns.org
Meet the Dais!
Abby Sconyers
Vice Chair
Lauren Bennato
Chair