In July, Mr. Murray obtained a draft from Ms. Story’s crew, a 209-page blueprint on how The Journal ought to remake itself referred to as The Content material Evaluate. It famous that “up to now 5 years, we now have had six quarters the place we misplaced extra subscribers than we gained,” and mentioned addressing its slow-growing viewers referred to as for important modifications in all the pieces from the paper’s social media technique to the themes it deemed newsworthy.
The report argued that the paper ought to appeal to new readers — particularly, ladies, individuals of coloration and youthful professionals — by focusing extra on matters equivalent to local weather change and revenue inequality. Amongst its solutions: “We additionally strongly advocate placing muscle behind efforts to characteristic extra ladies and folks of coloration in all of our tales.”
The Content material Evaluate has not been formally shared with the newsroom and its suggestions haven’t been enforce, however it’s influencing how individuals work: An deadlock over the report has led to a divided newsroom, based on interviews with 25 present and former workers members. The corporate, they are saying, has prevented making the proposed modifications as a result of a brewing energy wrestle between Mr. Murray and the brand new writer, Almar Latour, has contributed to a stalemate that threatens the way forward for The Journal.
Mr. Murray and Mr. Latour, 50, signify two extremes of the mannequin Murdoch worker. Mr. Murray is the tactful editor; Mr. Latour is the brash entrepreneur. The 2 rose throughout the group at roughly the identical time. When the second got here to exchange Gerry Baker as the highest editor in 2018, each have been seen as contenders.
The 2 males have by no means gotten alongside, based on individuals with information of the matter. Or as an government who is aware of each nicely put it, “They hate one another.” The digital technique report has solely heightened the pressure of their relationship — and, with it, the route of the crown jewel within the Murdoch information empire.
Their longstanding skilled rivalry comes all the way down to each character and method. Mr. Murray is extra deliberative, whereas Mr. Latour is fast to behave. However the core of their friction remains to be a thriller, based on individuals acquainted with them.
Dow Jones, in an announcement, disputed that characterization, saying there was no friction between the editor and writer. It additionally cited “report earnings and report subscriptions,” which it attributed to “the knowledge of its present technique.” Each Mr. Murray and Mr. Latour declined to be interviewed for this text.
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