Washington Post Promotes Print Chief, Advances AI Initiatives

William Lewis, Publisher and CEO of The Washington Post, has announced a significant leadership change and provided updates on the company's strategic initiatives. This development comes as the renowned newspaper, founded in 1877, continues to adapt to the evolving media landscape.

Gregg Fernandes, a 37-year veteran of The Post, has been promoted to Chief of Print Operations. Fernandes, who has overseen print circulation, production, and security teams for the past 15 years, will now expand his role to encompass all print-related operations across the company. His new mandate includes maximizing print opportunities for customers and preparing the organization for future challenges. Fernandes will also continue to manage The Post's critical security operations.

The executive leadership team recently convened for a two-day meeting to assess third-quarter performance and align on fourth-quarter objectives. Lewis expressed optimism about the progress made on the "Build It" plan, with updates expected to be shared soon as the company prepares for its "Scale It" phase in the coming year.

One area of notable advancement has been the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into The Post's operations. The newspaper has been developing and testing new AI-powered products in recent months. Last week, a subset of website visitors began participating in an A/B test of the "AI Answers" feature (final name pending) within the site's search functionality. This tool, similar to the previously introduced "Climate Answers," aims to provide AI-generated responses to user queries, summarizing information from The Washington Post's journalism.

The Washington Post, which has won 69 Pulitzer Prizes throughout its history, continues to embrace technological innovation while maintaining its commitment to high-quality journalism. The newspaper was an early adopter of digital technologies, launching its website in 1996 and introducing a digital subscription model in 2013.

With over 1,000 journalists on staff and bureaus in 18 countries, The Post remains at the forefront of global news coverage. The organization's investigative reporting has led to significant policy changes and reforms, upholding its motto, "Democracy Dies in Darkness."

As The Washington Post prepares for an upcoming election in less than a month, Lewis acknowledged the staff's dedication to reporting on some of the most challenging and significant stories of our time. The newspaper's commitment to in-depth coverage and analysis continues to play a crucial role in informing the public and shaping national discourse.

"I invite you all to experiment with this product and to share feedback that helps us shape the future of news."

The Post's ongoing efforts to innovate in both print and digital realms reflect its adaptability in a rapidly changing media environment. As it approaches its 150th anniversary, The Washington Post remains committed to delivering high-quality journalism through multiple platforms, ensuring its relevance and impact in the 21st century.