Former Washington Post executive editor Marty Baron expressed his strong disapproval of Jeff Bezos' recent mandate for the newspaper's opinion page during an appearance on MediaBuzz. Baron, who previously led the Post, voiced concern over the new direction, which explicitly supports "personal liberties and free markets" and prohibits publishing opposing viewpoints. He described himself as "shocked" and "very disturbed" by the decision during an interview on Mediaite's "Press Club" podcast. Baron stated his belief that Bezos had previously championed a diverse range of opinions on the opinion page, reflecting the spectrum of views within the country. He emphasized the Post's tradition of presenting a wide array of perspectives on policy matters and expressed dismay at the departure from this practice.

Baron's critique comes despite his continued support for the Post's news reporting, particularly its coverage of former President Donald Trump. He urged readers not to cancel their subscriptions, highlighting the importance of the Post's journalistic work in holding power accountable. He praised the dedication and integrity of the Post's staff, expressing concern that they are being unfairly impacted by the surrounding controversy. Baron further called upon Bezos and Washington Post CEO Will Lewis to publicly acknowledge and appreciate the staff's hard work and investigative reporting, emphasizing the essential role of a free press in a democracy.

Addressing the narrative of declining media relevance, Baron countered arguments from figures like Donald Trump and Elon Musk, noting their apparent obsession with traditional media as evidence of its continued importance. He pointed out the contradiction in claiming irrelevance while simultaneously focusing heavily on the press. Baron also referenced his previous criticism of the Post's decision not to endorse a candidate in the 2024 presidential election, expressing concern about the potential damage to the newspaper's reputation and brand.