Martin Baron

Collision of Power is a documentary memoir covering Martin Baron’s years as head editor at the Washington Post. Baron became head editor in 2014, shortly before Jeff Bezos, founder and then CEO of Amazon, purchased the Post. Baron had almost no personal interactions with Bezos—that was the responsibility of Publisher Fred Ryan—but he depicts Bezos, admirably, as unshakably committed to the importance of a free press in America. Baron’s years as head editor also span the election and presidential years of Donald Trump, Trump’s defeat in the 2020 election, and the tumultuous period in early 2021 when Trump attempted to subvert the election and remain in office.

The period from 2014 to 2021 saw the bifurcation of American society into two vehemently opposed camps with fiercely held attitudes, values, and beliefs. Few were able to maintain a neutral posture. Baron’s position as head editor of the Post gives him insight into the significant events of the time that were not available to the average citizen. His reporting reflects the news reporter’s bedrock principle of objective reporting, unencumbered by the reporter’s principles and values.

Collision provides inside details of the Post’s coverage of events during his time. The book is a bit long because it is extensively documented and provides a comprehensive documentary report.

Most likely not understood is the challenge of the death of George Floyd and the subsequent national uproar to Baron’s insistence the Post’s reporting remain untainted by personal attitudes and values. Before that, a confrontation had been brewing between the younger generation of reporters and more seasoned reporters and editors. The younger reporters claimed the strong emphasis on objective reporting required them to ignore their lived experience. They argued their values and attitudes must be reflected in their reporting. Baron, earlier generations of reporters, and the multiple layers of editorial oversight argued against distorting factual reports with personal attitudes and values.

I agree with Baron. Allowing personal opinions and values to color news reporting would return newspaper reports to the era of yellow journalism practiced at the turn of the twentieth century. Ample sources are available for such reporting in print outlets such as the National Enquirer and online sources such as Fox News. I follow many opinions in print and online sources, but I prefer that they be identified as opinions. The separation of opinion and factual reporting is essential in a free press.

Collision of Power is a fascinating report of one of the most troubled periods I have experienced in American history. I recommend it enthusiastically.… (more)