The Washington Post is about to expand by hiring more journalists - the first major sign of investment in the paper since it was acquired by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos last August.
He has agreed to an editorial budget increase that will see more resources allocated to both print and online. Blogs and print sections will be enhanced during the year.
In a memo to staff, editor Marty Baron, wrote: "This will be a year of impressive investment in the Washington Post, with the primary goals of growth and digital transformation."
The Fix, a political blog, is to get more reporters. A data new blog is to be added and, said Baron, "our staff of politics reporters will grow by five early this year."
In an interview with the New York Times, Baron is quoted as saying the moves represent Bezos's "first mark on the paper."
Baron explained that shortly after Bezos bought the paper, he asked senior staff to come up with ideas. So, in late October, Baron and several colleagues presented their plans to Bezos. Conference calls and email exchanges followed.
The crucial question, and the one that preoccupies Bezos, said Baron, is: "How do we produce growth?"
Baron said Bezos's involvement has been at a strategic level, adding: "He offered his own thoughts and expressed a willingness to invest."
Sources: NYTimes/Washington Post
