“Washington Post CEO Will Lewis Floats Idea of ‘Local+’ Offering for Premium Local Content”

The Washington Post is undergoing a transformation under the leadership of new CEO Will Lewis, with a focus on local news and premium content offerings. The British regime is introducing the concept of “Local+,” a subscription model that includes premium newsletters and exclusive experiences for readers who are willing to pay extra for top-notch local coverage.

This shift marks a departure from the Jeff Bezos era, which prioritized competing with national publications like the New York Times. The Post, under previous ownership, had a strong emphasis on local news, and now, with the introduction of Local+, there is a renewed focus on metro coverage.

Karl Wells, the Post’s chief growth officer and a recent import from the UK’s News Corp, is spearheading this new strategy. He envisions a laser focus on readers who are highly engaged with the Post’s journalism, starting with the local audience in D.C.

The arrival of British leadership at the Post has sparked a media frenzy, with comparisons to the Rupert Murdoch-ization of the publication. However, Lewis’s business-savvy approach and willingness to shake things up may bring a fresh perspective to the newsroom.

As the Post aims to return to profitability, the success of the Local+ initiative will depend on winning the newsroom’s trust and finding the right balance between Fleet Street sensibilities and American journalism standards. With local news still a significant revenue source for the publication, the move towards premium local content could prove to be a smart business decision.

In a time of change and innovation, the Washington Post is setting its sights on a new direction with Local+, offering readers a unique and engaging way to stay informed about their community.