Media Monday: The Will Lewis Chernobyl Moment - pucks-the-powers-that-be Recap

Podcast: pucks-the-powers-that-be

Published: 2026-02-09

Duration: 21 minutes

Summary

The episode examines the significant challenges and mismanagement at The Washington Post resulting in major staff layoffs, and discusses the incoming Disney CEO, Josh DeMarro, and the hurdles he will face.

What Happened

The episode opens with Peter Hamby and Jon Kelly discussing the recent upheaval at The Washington Post, where a third of the staff was laid off. This drastic measure is attributed to mismanagement by CEO Will Lewis, who failed to effectively lead during a time of crisis. Despite initial hopes, Lewis did not gain the confidence of the newsroom, further exacerbated by Jeff Bezos's controversial decisions, such as retracting the Kamala Harris endorsement.

Jon Kelly points out that the Post's decline was inevitable due to the ephemeral nature of its success during the Trump administration. The paper, which once thrived on the 'democracy dies in darkness' narrative, could not sustain itself with its regional paper roots. The hosts also note the broader trend of traditional media struggling, as seen with BuzzFeed News and others.

There is a discussion about the tension between management and reporters at the Washington Post, highlighting how internal strife has worsened the situation. The Post's inability to adapt to digital trends and analytics is seen as a significant factor in its downfall.

The episode also covers the difference between The Washington Post and The New York Times, particularly in terms of financial performance and market positioning. The Times has managed to thrive with a robust digital strategy, unlike the Post, which is struggling to redefine its business model.

Transitioning to the topic of Disney, the conversation delves into the challenges awaiting Josh DeMarro, the newly appointed CEO. As a parks executive with a finance background, DeMarro is expected to focus on leveraging Disney's strengths in experiential offerings while navigating the complexities of the streaming and content landscape.

The hosts speculate on the potential changes in Disney's strategic direction, including possible restructuring and the future of ESPN. DeMarro's appointment signals a shift towards operational efficiency and exploring new business opportunities beyond traditional content creation.

Finally, there's a reflection on the role of billionaires in media ownership and how their interests can sometimes conflict with journalistic integrity. The episode concludes with a brief discussion on the personal dynamics within Disney's leadership and the challenges of maintaining a cohesive vision for the company's future.

Key Insights

• The Washington Post recently laid off a third of its staff due to mismanagement under CEO Will Lewis, who failed to gain the confidence of the newsroom during a crisis.
• The Washington Post's decline is attributed to its reliance on the 'democracy dies in darkness' narrative during the Trump era, which could not sustain its success post-administration.
• The New York Times has outperformed The Washington Post financially and strategically by successfully adapting to digital trends, unlike the Post, which struggles with redefining its business model.
• Josh DeMarro, newly appointed CEO of Disney, is expected to focus on leveraging Disney's parks and experiential strengths while addressing challenges in the streaming and content landscape.