The Washington Post announced significant changes to its ‘third newsroom’ project, WP Ventures, by moving it outside the traditional newsroom structure as Krissah Thompson prepares to exit the company. These developments mark a strategic pivot for the publication, which has been grappling with internal challenges and a shifting media landscape.
Launched last year, WP Ventures was designed to operate independently from the paper’s standard news and opinion sections, targeting social media users with content that leverages new platforms for reach and revenue. However, Thompson’s departure and the restructuring of the division reflect a realignment with the industry’s changing dynamics. The decision was outlined in a memo from WP Ventures general manager Samantha Henig, who noted that the project was intended to remain experimental and continuously evolving.
Thompson’s exit coincides with a broader reevaluation of the division’s direction. The memo emphasized that to effectively navigate the new environment, the next iteration of WP Ventures would be developed separately from the newsroom. This strategy would focus on creating personality-driven content and expanding into areas such as audio, video, newsletters, and events. It also outlined the intention to responsibly embrace AI in storytelling and promotion, aiming to enhance engagement and scalability on new platforms.
Chief Strategy Officer Suzi Watford is set to assume oversight of WP Ventures, signaling a shift towards new leadership and strategic priorities. The organization is also preparing to meet with all teams to outline the transition plan following Thompson’s departure. Specific details about the new structure and its future trajectory are expected to be revealed in the coming weeks and months.
This restructuring comes amid a broader backdrop of challenges within the Washington Post, including an exodus of top talent, concerns over staff morale, and ongoing efforts to adapt its editorial strategy under Jeff Bezos’s leadership. These factors have contributed to a complex internal environment, with the changes aimed at aligning the publication’s strategies with contemporary industry trends.