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Revision as of 01:31, 6 November 2023 editTherequiembellishere (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users, Pending changes reviewers, Rollbackers176,076 edits Not how knighthoods work. His form of address is Sir William, not Mr Lewis or something and we use it as part of his name as we would if he was given a peerage and became The Lord Lewis of XYZ.Tags: Manual revert Reverted← Previous edit Latest revision as of 20:31, 8 December 2024 edit undoErnsanchez00 (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users93,231 edits Changed the categoryTag: 2017 wikitext editor 
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{{short description|British newspaper publishing executive}} {{short description|British media executive (born 1969)}}
{{other people|William Lewis}} {{other people|William Lewis}}
{{EngvarB|date=August 2016}} {{EngvarB|date=August 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2016}} {{Use dmy dates|date=August 2016}}
{{Infobox officeholder {{Infobox officeholder
|honorific_prefix = Sir
|name = Sir William Lewis
|image = 2019 WSJ Global Food Forum - 20190430-OSEC-LSC-0213 (40778505873).jpg |name = William Lewis
|image = 2019 WSJ Global Food Forum - 20190430-OSEC-LSC-0213 (40778505873) (cropped).jpg
|alt = William Lewis in 2019 |caption=William Lewis in 2019
|office = Publisher and CEO of '']'' |alt = William Lewis in 2019
|office = Publisher and CEO of '']''
|term_start = 2 January 2024
|term_end = |term_start = 2 January 2024
|succeeding = ] |term_end =
|predecessor = ] |predecessor = ]
|successor = |successor =
|birth_name = William John Lewis |birth_name = William John Lewis
|birth_date = {{birth date and age|1969|4|2|df=y}} |birth_date = {{birth date and age|1969|4|2|df=y}}
|birth_place = ], ], UK |birth_place = London, England
|education = {{Plainlist| |education = {{Plainlist|
*] (]) *] (])
*] (])}} *] (])}}
|spouse = {{marriage|Rebecca Slater|1995}} |spouse =
|children = 4 |children =
|relatives = ] (brother) |relatives = ] (brother)
}} }}
'''Sir William John Lewis''' (born 2 April 1969)<ref name="Observer2009">{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2009/may/24/will-lewis-daily-telegraph-profile|title =Will Lewis: the man with an expense account Sir '''William John Lewis''' (born 2 April 1969)<ref name="Observer2009">{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2009/may/24/will-lewis-daily-telegraph-profile|title =Will Lewis: the man with an expense account
|last=Anthony|first=Andrew|date=May 24, 2009|website=Guardian.com|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020}}</ref> is a British media executive and was formerly chief executive of ] and publisher of '']''. Earlier in his career he was known as a journalist and then editor. |last=Anthony|first=Andrew|date=May 24, 2009|website=Guardian.com|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020}}</ref> is a British media executive who serves as the publisher and chief executive officer of '']''. He was formerly chief executive of ] and publisher of '']''. Earlier in his career, he was known as a journalist and then editor.


While editor of '']'',<ref name= "GuardianMPsExpenses">{{Cite web|url= https://www.theguardian.com/media/2009/may/18/mps-expenses-how-scoop-came-light |title = MPs' expenses: how scoop came to light – and why journalists fear a 'knock on the door'|last=Brook|first=Stephen|date=May 18, 2009|website=theguardian.com|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020}}</ref> Lewis led the team that broke the story of the ], which led to the resignations of six government ministers and ] ], and to the creation of ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theipsa.org.uk/|title=Home &#124; IPSA|website=Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority}}</ref> While editor of '']'',<ref name= "GuardianMPsExpenses">{{Cite web|url= https://www.theguardian.com/media/2009/may/18/mps-expenses-how-scoop-came-light |title = MPs' expenses: how scoop came to light – and why journalists fear a 'knock on the door'|last=Brook|first=Stephen|date=May 18, 2009|website=theguardian.com|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020}}</ref> Lewis led the team that broke the story of the ], which led to the resignations of six government ministers and ] ], and to the creation of ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theipsa.org.uk/|title=Home &#124; IPSA|website=Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority|access-date=9 July 2021|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709150734/https://www.theipsa.org.uk/|url-status=live}}</ref>


From September 2010<ref name= "MarketingweekNI">{{Cite web|url=https://www.marketingweek.com/news-international-hires-will-lewis-to-fill-new-role/|title=News International hires Will Lewis to fill new role|last=Fernandez|first=Joe|date=July 8, 2010|website=Marketingweek.com|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020|archive-date=29 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129111342/https://www.marketingweek.com/news-international-hires-will-lewis-to-fill-new-role/|url-status=live}}</ref> to July 2011, Lewis worked as general manager of the newspaper publisher ], playing a role in the company's response to the phone hacking crisis. In July 2011, following the closure of the '']'', Lewis left News International to join the Management and Standards Committee, an independent division led by ], created by the News Corp board to orchestrate cooperation with multiple law enforcement investigations into News International.
From September 2010<ref name= "MarketingweekNI">{{Cite web|url= https://www.marketingweek.com/news-international-hires-will-lewis-to-fill-new-role/ |title = News International hires Will Lewis to fill new role
|last=Fernandez|first=Joe|date=July 8, 2010|website=Marketingweek.com|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020}}</ref> to July 2011, Lewis worked as general manager of the newspaper publisher ], playing a role in the company's response to the phone hacking crisis. In July 2011, following the closure of the '']'', Lewis left News International to join the Management and Standards Committee, an independent division led by ], created by the News Corp board to orchestrate cooperation with multiple law enforcement investigations into News International.


On 5 November 2023, Lewis was named as the new publisher and CEO of '']''.<ref name="WAPO1">{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/style/media/2023/11/04/william-lewis-publisher-ceo-washington-post |title=William Lewis named publisher and CEO of The Washington Post |last=Izadi |first=Elahe |date=4 November 2023 |newspaper=] |accessdate=4 November 2023 |archive-date=5 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231105003825/https://www.washingtonpost.com/style/media/2023/11/04/william-lewis-publisher-ceo-washington-post/ |url-status=live }}</ref> During his tenure, he clashed with executive editor ] over his attempt to reorganize the newsroom structure and to kill coverage of his role in the ].<ref name="Streisand Effect 1">{{cite news |last1=Mullin |first1=Benjamin |last2=Robertson |first2=Katie |title=Clash Over Phone Hacking Article Preceded Exit of Washington Post Editor |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/05/business/media/washington-post-buzbee-lewis.html |access-date=6 June 2024 |work=] |date=5 June 2024 |archive-date=5 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240605234734/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/05/business/media/washington-post-buzbee-lewis.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Streisand Effect 2">{{cite news |last1=Robertson |first1=Katie |last2=Mullin |first2=Benjamin |title=Washington Post C.E.O. Promised Interview for Ignoring Scandal, NPR Reporter Says |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/06/business/media/washington-post-will-lewis-npr.html |access-date=6 June 2024 |work=] |date=6 June 2024 |archive-date=6 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240606200548/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/06/business/media/washington-post-will-lewis-npr.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 5 November 2023, William Lewis was named as the new publisher and CEO of The Washington Post.<ref name=“WAPO1”>{{cite web |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/style/media/2023/11/04/william-lewis-publisher-ceo-washington-post |title= William Lewis named publisher and CEO of The Washington Post |last=Izadi |first=Elahe |date=4 November 2023 |work=] |accessdate=4 November 2023}}</ref>


==Early life and career== ==Early life and career==
William Lewis was born and raised in Hampstead Garden Suburb, North London, England. His father David Lewis M.B.E,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/queens-birthday-honours-2010|title=Queen's Birthday Honours 2010|website=GOV.UK}}</ref> worked as a Managing Director of a packaging company and his mother Sally was a teacher. Lewis's primary education was at Brookland Junior school in Hampstead Garden Suburb. His secondary education was at Whitefield school, a comprehensive school in the London Borough of Barnet. After achieving his A levels, Lewis studied for a BSc in politics and economics at ], where he wrote for the student newspaper, '']'',<ref name="Observer2009"/> and captained the University 1st football team. Following university Lewis completed a postgraduate diploma in Periodical Journalism at ]. William Lewis was born and raised in ], North London, England. His father David Lewis M.B.E,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/queens-birthday-honours-2010|title=Queen's Birthday Honours 2010|website=GOV.UK|access-date=29 January 2020|archive-date=29 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129120514/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/queens-birthday-honours-2010|url-status=live}}</ref> worked as a Managing Director of a packaging company and his mother Sally was a teacher. Lewis's primary education was at Brookland Junior school in Hampstead Garden Suburb. His secondary education was at Whitefield school, a comprehensive school in the London Borough of Barnet. After achieving his A levels, Lewis studied for a BSc in politics and economics at ], where he wrote for the student newspaper, '']'',<ref name="Observer2009"/> and captained the University 1st football team. Following university Lewis completed a postgraduate diploma in Periodical Journalism at ].


In 1991, Lewis was hired as a finance reporter by '']''.<ref name= "LevesonLewis">{{Cite web|url=https://www.discoverleveson.com/witness/Will_Lewis/3960/?bc=1#witnessevidence|title=Witness Statement of William Lewis|last=Lewis|first=William|date=January 10, 2012|website=Discoverleveson.com|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020|archive-date=31 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331054651/https://www.discoverleveson.com/witness/Will_Lewis/3960/?bc=1#witnessevidence|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1994 he left the tabloid to take a job in the '']''{{'}} investigative unit. He later became fund management correspondent and then mergers and acquisitions correspondent.<ref name= "LevesonLewis"/> In 1999, while posted at the New York office he broke the story of the ] merger,<ref name= "DowJonesBio">{{Cite web|url=https://www.dowjones.com/team/william-lewis-3/|title=Official biography|website=DowJones.com|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020|archive-date=29 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129120515/https://www.dowjones.com/team/william-lewis-3/|url-status=live}}</ref> the biggest industrial merger in US corporate history. The scoop surprised the US business media and helped establish the ''Financial Times'' in the US.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://archives.cjr.org/cover_story/a_narrowed_gaze.php|title=A Narrowed Gaze|last=Starkman|first=Dean|date=January 2012|website=Columbia Journalism Review|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020|archive-date=29 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129120514/https://archives.cjr.org/cover_story/a_narrowed_gaze.php|url-status=live}}</ref> Following this Lewis was promoted to Global News Editor.<ref name="Marketing Week2006">{{Cite web|url=https://www.marketingweek.com/daily-telegraph-appoints-william-lewis-editor/|title=Daily Telegraph appoints William Lewis editor|last=Week|first=Marketing|date=Oct 9, 2006|website=marketingweek.com|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020|archive-date=29 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129120742/https://www.marketingweek.com/daily-telegraph-appoints-william-lewis-editor/|url-status=live}}</ref> He was then poached to become business editor at '']'', where he remained for three years, from 2002 to 2005.
In 1991, Lewis was hired as a finance reporter by '']''.<ref name= "LevesonLewis">{{Cite web|url=https://www.discoverleveson.com/witness/Will_Lewis/3960/?bc=1#witnessevidence|title =Witness Statement of William Lewis
|last=Lewis|first=William|date=January 10, 2012|website=Discoverleveson.com|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020}}</ref> In 1994 he left the tabloid to take a job in the '']''{{'}} investigative unit. He later became fund management correspondent and then mergers and acquisitions correspondent.<ref name= "LevesonLewis"/> In 1999, while posted at the New York office he broke the story of the ] merger,<ref name= "DowJonesBio">{{Cite web|url= https://www.dowjones.com/team/william-lewis-3/
|title =Official biography
|website=DowJones.com|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020}}</ref> the biggest industrial merger in US corporate history. The scoop surprised the US business media and helped establish the ''Financial Times'' in the US.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://archives.cjr.org/cover_story/a_narrowed_gaze.php|title=A Narrowed Gaze|last=Starkman|first=Dean|date=January 2012|website=Columbia Journalism Review|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020}}</ref> Following this Lewis was promoted to Global News Editor.<ref name="Marketing Week2006">{{Cite web|url= https://www.marketingweek.com/daily-telegraph-appoints-william-lewis-editor/
|title =Daily Telegraph appoints William Lewis editor
|last=Week|first=Marketing|date=Oct 9, 2006|website=marketingweek.com|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020}}</ref> He was then poached to become business editor at '']'', where he remained for three years, from 2002 to 2005.


==Telegraph Media Group== ==Telegraph Media Group==


Lewis joined the ] as city editor in August 2005 and was made deputy editor of ''The Telegraph'' while he was still working out his notice from ''The Sunday Times''. In October 2006 he became ''The Daily Telegraph''{{'s}} youngest ever editor.<ref name= "Independent2006">{{Cite web|url= https://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/will-lewis-the-daily-telegraphs-youngest-ever-editor-426919.html Lewis joined the ] as city editor in August 2005 and was made deputy editor of ''The Telegraph'' while he was still working out his notice from ''The Sunday Times''. In October 2006 he became ''The Daily Telegraph''{{'s}} youngest ever editor.<ref name= "Independent2006">{{Cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/will-lewis-the-daily-telegraphs-youngest-ever-editor-426919.html|title=Will Lewis: TheDaily Telegraph's youngest ever editor|last=Burrell|first=Ian|date=Dec 4, 2006|website=Independent.co.uk|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020|archive-date=29 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129124554/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/will-lewis-the-daily-telegraphs-youngest-ever-editor-426919.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
|title =Will Lewis: TheDaily Telegraph's youngest ever editor
|last=Burrell|first=Ian|date=Dec 4, 2006|website=Independent.co.uk|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020}}</ref>
On joining ''The Telegraph'', Lewis described the newspaper as a "shambles", with "no innovation, no culture of improvement, no understanding of the need to perform, of needing to work with your colleagues rather than be at war with them."<ref name= "MediaGuardian100">{{Cite web|url= https://www.theguardian.com/media/2009/jul/11/will-lewis-mediaguardian-100-2009 On joining ''The Telegraph'', Lewis described the newspaper as a "shambles", with "no innovation, no culture of improvement, no understanding of the need to perform, of needing to work with your colleagues rather than be at war with them."<ref name= "MediaGuardian100">{{Cite web|url= https://www.theguardian.com/media/2009/jul/11/will-lewis-mediaguardian-100-2009
|title =The MPs' expenses triumph makes Will Lewis of the Telegraph the highest-rising newspaper editor in the MediaGuardian 100 |title =The MPs' expenses triumph makes Will Lewis of the Telegraph the highest-rising newspaper editor in the MediaGuardian 100
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As editor he took control of the newspaper during period of tumultuous change thanks to the decline in print sales and display advertising revenue.<ref name= "GuardianSweney2009">{{Cite web|url= https://www.theguardian.com/media/2009/jul/13/telegraph-media-group-2008-results|title = Telegraph Media Group reports £15.7m pre-tax loss for 2008|last=Sweney|first=Mark|date=July 13, 2009|website=Guardian.co.uk|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020}}</ref> As editor he took control of the newspaper during period of tumultuous change thanks to the decline in print sales and display advertising revenue.<ref name= "GuardianSweney2009">{{Cite web|url= https://www.theguardian.com/media/2009/jul/13/telegraph-media-group-2008-results|title = Telegraph Media Group reports £15.7m pre-tax loss for 2008|last=Sweney|first=Mark|date=July 13, 2009|website=Guardian.co.uk|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020}}</ref>
Lewis designed the layout of the ''Telegraph''{{'s}} new Victoria newsroom<ref name= "MarketingWeekNov2006">{{Cite web|url= https://www.marketingweek.com/right-message-wrong-reader/|title = Right Message, Wrong Reader|last=Week|first=Marketing|date=Nov 2, 2006|website=MarketingWeek.co.uk|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020}}</ref> and saw through the modernisation program which involved senior staff cuts. The move was initially felt to be in conflict with the newspaper's brand and aging readership.<ref name= "MarketingWeekNov2006"/> Lewis designed the layout of the ''Telegraph''{{'s}} new Victoria newsroom<ref name= "MarketingWeekNov2006">{{Cite web|url=https://www.marketingweek.com/right-message-wrong-reader/|title=Right Message, Wrong Reader|last=Week|first=Marketing|date=Nov 2, 2006|website=MarketingWeek.co.uk|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020|archive-date=29 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129123931/https://www.marketingweek.com/right-message-wrong-reader/|url-status=live}}</ref> and saw through the modernisation program which involved senior staff cuts. The move was initially felt to be in conflict with the newspaper's brand and ageing readership.<ref name= "MarketingWeekNov2006"/>


In 2007 he was made editor-in-chief of TMG.<ref name= "DowJonesBio"/> In 2007 he was made editor-in-chief of TMG.<ref name= "DowJonesBio"/>
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==Role in the parliamentary expenses scandal== ==Role in the parliamentary expenses scandal==


Lewis's involvement in the scandal began when he was told by colleagues that they had been approached by an intermediary on behalf of a source who said that they had four years' worth of MPs' data copied onto a disk. After establishing that the paper would not be breaking the law by accepting the disc, and that the story was in the public interest, Lewis approved negotiation with the intermediary.<ref name= "LevesonLewisTestimony">{{Cite web|url=https://leveson.sayit.mysociety.org/hearing-10-january-2012/mr-william-lewis|title =Leveson Inquiry, Hearing of Mr William Lewis Lewis's involvement in the scandal began when he was told by colleagues that they had been approached by an intermediary on behalf of a source who said that they had four years' worth of MPs' data copied onto a disk. After establishing that the paper would not be breaking the law by accepting the disc, and that the story was in the public interest, Lewis approved negotiation with the intermediary.<ref name= "LevesonLewisTestimony">{{Cite web|url=https://leveson.sayit.mysociety.org/hearing-10-january-2012/mr-william-lewis|title=Leveson Inquiry, Hearing of Mr William Lewis|last=Lewis|first=William|date=January 10, 2012|website=leveson.sayit.mysociety.org|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020|archive-date=29 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129140928/https://leveson.sayit.mysociety.org/hearing-10-january-2012/mr-william-lewis|url-status=live}}</ref>
|last=Lewis|first=William|date=January 10, 2012|website=leveson.sayit.mysociety.org|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020}}</ref>


In 2012, Lewis told ]: "the reason had come to the Telegraph was he wanted to ensure fair and balanced coverage. He wanted to be certain that the ] MPs and the Conservative MPs all had their chance to have their day in the sun, as it were."<ref name= "Journalism.co.uk">{{Cite web|url=https://www.journalism.co.uk/news/telegraph-paid-middleman--150-000-for-expenses-data/s2/a547418/|title = Telegraph paid middleman £150,000 for expenses data In 2012, Lewis told ]: "the reason had come to the Telegraph was he wanted to ensure fair and balanced coverage. He wanted to be certain that the ] MPs and the Conservative MPs all had their chance to have their day in the sun, as it were."<ref name= "Journalism.co.uk">{{Cite web|url=https://www.journalism.co.uk/news/telegraph-paid-middleman--150-000-for-expenses-data/s2/a547418/|title=Telegraph paid middleman £150,000 for expenses data|last=Gunter|first=Joel|date=January 10, 2012|website=Journalism.co.uk|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020|archive-date=29 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129134500/https://www.journalism.co.uk/news/telegraph-paid-middleman--150-000-for-expenses-data/s2/a547418/|url-status=live}}</ref> The intermediary, a former ] officer John Wick,<ref name= "GuardianMPsExpenses"/> had already offered the story to a number of other newspapers, all of whom had been reluctant to take the risk of publishing, or meet the price set by Wick.<ref name= "GuardianMPsExpenses"/>
|last=Gunter|first=Joel|date=January 10, 2012|website=Journalism.co.uk|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020}}</ref> The intermediary, a former ] officer John Wick,<ref name= "GuardianMPsExpenses"/> had already offered the story to a number of other newspapers, all of whom had been reluctant to take the risk of publishing, or meet the price set by Wick.<ref name= "GuardianMPsExpenses"/>


Once Lewis's team concluded negotiations with the source, the Telegraph team had only ten days to investigate the data on the disk which meant wading through more than a million documents.<ref name= "KirkupMPsExpenses">{{Cite web|url= https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5563129/MPs-expenses-Out-today-the-censored-version-of-every-MPs-expense-claims.html|title = MPs' expenses: censored version MPs' expenses claims goes online|last=Kirkup|first=James|date=May 18, 2009|website=theguardian.com|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020}}</ref> Once Lewis saw the information on the disc he realised that he had to run the story. Lewis told ]: "I became very aware that it was my responsibility to bring this to the public domain. It was no longer going to be a choice for me as editor."<ref name= "LevesonLewisTestimony"/><ref name= "BBCMPsExpenses" >{{Cite web|url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-16494872|title = Leveson Inquiry: Telegraph expenses scoop explained|last=News|first=BBC|date= Jan 10, 2012|website=bbc.co.uk|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020}}</ref> Once Lewis's team concluded negotiations with the source, the Telegraph team had only ten days to investigate the data on the disk which meant wading through more than a million documents.<ref name= "KirkupMPsExpenses">{{Cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5563129/MPs-expenses-Out-today-the-censored-version-of-every-MPs-expense-claims.html|title=MPs' expenses: censored version MPs' expenses claims goes online|last=Kirkup|first=James|date=May 18, 2009|website=theguardian.com|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020|archive-date=29 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129140934/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5563129/MPs-expenses-Out-today-the-censored-version-of-every-MPs-expense-claims.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Once Lewis saw the information on the disc he realised that he had to run the story. Lewis told ]: "I became very aware that it was my responsibility to bring this to the public domain. It was no longer going to be a choice for me as editor."<ref name= "LevesonLewisTestimony"/><ref name= "BBCMPsExpenses" >{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-16494872|title=Leveson Inquiry: Telegraph expenses scoop explained|last=News|first=BBC|date=Jan 10, 2012|website=bbc.co.uk|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020|archive-date=29 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129141653/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-16494872|url-status=live}}</ref>


Lewis stressed to his colleagues that he wanted the Telegraph to be seen as be fair and balanced in their approach. They concluded that they should start with the government and then move into the opposition as it was then,the ].<ref name= "Journalism.co.uk"/> Lewis stressed to his colleagues that he wanted the Telegraph to be seen as fair and balanced in their approach. They concluded that they should start with the government and then move into the opposition as it was then, the ].<ref name= "Journalism.co.uk"/>


The next stage involved the team writing to each MP to put them on notice that a story was being written, and then to wait for the replies. The first MP to revert to the Telegraph team was ] ].<ref name= "LevesonLewisTestimony"/> Straw replied, confirming the information in the letter and explaining his expenses. Lewis told the Leveson enquiry: "Only then did I feel able to give the green light to publication that evening." He added, "I remain hugely proud of -- given the intensity with which the MPs' expenses team had to work, the incredible pressure they worked under, continual threat of trying to be stopped what they were doing, I think this record is one we should be proud of."<ref name= "LevesonLewisTestimony"/> He added: "I was also aware that this story was laced with risk all round, as the best and most important journalism tends to be."<ref name= "BBCMPsExpenses"/> The next stage involved the team writing to each MP to put them on notice that a story was being written, and then to wait for the replies. The first MP to revert to the Telegraph team was ] ].<ref name= "LevesonLewisTestimony"/> Straw replied, confirming the information in the letter and explaining his expenses. Lewis told the Leveson enquiry: "Only then did I feel able to give the green light to publication that evening." He added, "I remain hugely proud of -- given the intensity with which the MPs' expenses team had to work, the incredible pressure they worked under, continual threat of trying to be stopped what they were doing, I think this record is one we should be proud of."<ref name= "LevesonLewisTestimony"/> He added: "I was also aware that this story was laced with risk all round, as the best and most important journalism tends to be."<ref name= "BBCMPsExpenses"/>
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===Aftermath of parliamentary expenses scandal=== ===Aftermath of parliamentary expenses scandal===


The publication of the story led to the resignation of the Speaker of the House of Commons, ], a further six government ministers and the creation of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority.<ref name= "BBCAftermathMPsExpenses">{{Cite web|url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-48187096|title = MPs' expenses: The Legacy of a Scandal|last=Flinders|first=Professor Matthew|date=May 7, 2019|website=bbc.co.uk|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020}}</ref> A police investigation into the leak was called off in May 2009. A statement issued by Scotland Yard said that although the unauthorised disclosure of information appeared to "breach public duty", much of the information was in the process of being prepared for release under the Freedom of Information Act.<ref name= "PoliceInvestigationMPsExpenses">{{Cite web|url= https://www.theguardian.com/global/2009/may/19/expenses-leak-police|title = MPs' expenses: police will not investigate leaks to media|last=Mulholland|first=Helene|date=May 19, 2009|website=theguardian.com|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020}}</ref> The publication of the story led to the resignation of the ], ], a further six government ministers and the creation of the ].<ref name= "BBCAftermathMPsExpenses">{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-48187096|title=MPs' expenses: The Legacy of a Scandal|last=Flinders|first=Professor Matthew|date=May 7, 2019|website=bbc.co.uk|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020|archive-date=29 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129142339/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-48187096|url-status=live}}</ref> A police investigation into the leak was called off in May 2009. A statement issued by Scotland Yard said that although the unauthorised disclosure of information appeared to "breach public duty", much of the information was in the process of being prepared for release under the Freedom of Information Act.<ref name= "PoliceInvestigationMPsExpenses">{{Cite web|url= https://www.theguardian.com/global/2009/may/19/expenses-leak-police|title = MPs' expenses: police will not investigate leaks to media|last=Mulholland|first=Helene|date=May 19, 2009|website=theguardian.com|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020}}</ref>


In 2009, Lewis spoke publicly for the first time about the scandal in a ] Interview with the BBC Political Editor ].<ref name= "NickRobinsonGuardianMPsExpenses">{{Cite web|url= https://www.theguardian.com/media/2009/jun/30/will-lewis-daily-telegraph-mps-expenses|title = Telegraph's Will Lewis: MPs lost moral authority long before expenses scandal|last=Luft|first=Oliver|date=June 30, 2009|website=theguardian.com|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020}}</ref> In the interview Lewis responded to claims by that his newspaper's coverage had irreparably damaged parliament and democracy as "Absolute, complete rubbish." In the interview Lewis claimed: "It is going to open up parliament to a whole new generation of people who understand what it means to be a representative of British citizens," he said. He described the removal of criminal MPs from Parliament as "undeniably a good thing for the United Kingdom." In 2009, Lewis spoke publicly for the first time about the scandal in a ] Interview with the BBC Political Editor ].<ref name= "NickRobinsonGuardianMPsExpenses">{{Cite web|url= https://www.theguardian.com/media/2009/jun/30/will-lewis-daily-telegraph-mps-expenses|title = Telegraph's Will Lewis: MPs lost moral authority long before expenses scandal|last=Luft|first=Oliver|date=June 30, 2009|website=theguardian.com|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020}}</ref> In the interview Lewis responded to claims by that his newspaper's coverage had irreparably damaged parliament and democracy as "Absolute, complete rubbish." In the interview Lewis claimed: "It is going to open up parliament to a whole new generation of people who understand what it means to be a representative of British citizens," he said. He described the removal of criminal MPs from Parliament as "undeniably a good thing for the United Kingdom."


In a 2017 in an interview with the '']'',<ref name= "ESlordofwallstreet">{{Cite web|url= https://www.standard.co.uk/business/will-lewis-the-brit-lord-of-wall-street-on-his-battle-with-social-media-giants-and-fake-news-a3625046.html|title = TWill Lewis: The Brit lord of Wall Street on his battle with social media giants and fake news|last=Gwyther|first=Matthew|date=September 1, 2017|website=standard.co.uk|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020}}</ref> Lewis said: "I think MPs' expenses began that disgust with the political class. Brexit has to be seen within that context. If the House of Lords is our main defence against stupidity, that doesn't make me very happy." In a 2017 in an interview with the '']'',<ref name= "ESlordofwallstreet">{{Cite web|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/business/will-lewis-the-brit-lord-of-wall-street-on-his-battle-with-social-media-giants-and-fake-news-a3625046.html|title=TWill Lewis: The Brit lord of Wall Street on his battle with social media giants and fake news|last=Gwyther|first=Matthew|date=September 1, 2017|website=standard.co.uk|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020|archive-date=29 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129142337/https://www.standard.co.uk/business/will-lewis-the-brit-lord-of-wall-street-on-his-battle-with-social-media-giants-and-fake-news-a3625046.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Lewis said: "I think MPs' expenses began that disgust with the political class. Brexit has to be seen within that context. If the House of Lords is our main defence against stupidity, that doesn't make me very happy."


In 2019, Lewis appeared on ] documentary marking the 10th anniversary of the scandal.<ref name= "BBCLewisQueen">{{Cite web|url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-47669586|title = MPs' expenses editor 'more resolute' after Queen talk|last=News|first=BBC|date=March 25, 2019|website=standard.co.uk|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020}}</ref> Lewis talked about establishment hostility towards the Telegraph newsroom and mentioned a brief meeting with ] wherein she indicated her support and sympathy for the story. Lewis has never disclosed the details of the conversation. In 2019, Lewis appeared on ] documentary marking the 10th anniversary of the scandal.<ref name= "BBCLewisQueen">{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-47669586|title=MPs' expenses editor 'more resolute' after Queen talk|last=News|first=BBC|date=March 25, 2019|website=standard.co.uk|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020|archive-date=29 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129134445/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-47669586|url-status=live}}</ref> Lewis talked about establishment hostility towards the Telegraph newsroom and mentioned a brief meeting with ] wherein she indicated her support and sympathy for the story. Lewis has never disclosed the details of the conversation.


In a 2019 '']'' article<ref name= "NewStatesman">{{Cite web|url= https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk/2019/05/mps-expenses-very-british-scandal|title = MPs' expenses: a very British scandal|last=Lewis|first=William|date=May 1, 2019|website=standard.co.uk|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020}}</ref> Lewis wrote that the scandal was a missed opportunity: "The chance to make radical reforms to our political institutions and how they operate was, however, glaringly (and deliberately) overlooked…. Perhaps the fallout from ] will trigger the root-and-branch reform we need before these challenges can ever hope to be met with the sort of honesty, energy and imagination they demand. Optimistic, perhaps, but real change could be achieved if politicians from across the spectrum – or people from around Britain who have not previously been involved in politics – begin to share a proper understanding of where the national interest lies and where it will lie in the very near future." In a 2019 '']'' article<ref name= "NewStatesman">{{Cite web|url=https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk/2019/05/mps-expenses-very-british-scandal|title=MPs' expenses: a very British scandal|last=Lewis|first=William|date=May 1, 2019|website=standard.co.uk|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020|archive-date=11 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200111193903/https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk/2019/05/mps-expenses-very-british-scandal|url-status=live}}</ref> Lewis wrote that the scandal was a missed opportunity: "The chance to make radical reforms to our political institutions and how they operate was, however, glaringly (and deliberately) overlooked…. Perhaps the fallout from ] will trigger the root-and-branch reform we need before these challenges can ever hope to be met with the sort of honesty, energy and imagination they demand. Optimistic, perhaps, but real change could be achieved if politicians from across the spectrum – or people from around Britain who have not previously been involved in politics – begin to share a proper understanding of where the national interest lies and where it will lie in the very near future."


==Departure from the Telegraph Group== ==Departure from the Telegraph Group==


In the summer of 2009, Lewis took a two-month sabbatical from TMG to attend the ] at ] – a compressed version of the college's famed Masters in Business Administration. Towards the end of this period Lewis was joined by TMG chief executive ] who stayed to hammer out Lewis's future at TMG.<ref name= "ESlordofwallstreet"/><ref name= "GuardianHarvard">{{Cite web|url= https://www.theguardian.com/media/mediamonkeyblog/2010/jul/09/will-lewis-harvard-business-school|title = Will Lewis and the Harvard Business School big guns|last=Monkey|first=Media|date=July 9, 2010|website=theguardian.com|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020}}</ref> In the summer of 2009, Lewis took a two-month sabbatical from TMG to attend the ] at ] – a compressed version of the college's famed Masters in Business Administration. Towards the end of this period Lewis was joined by TMG chief executive ] who stayed to hammer out Lewis's future at TMG.<ref name= "ESlordofwallstreet"/><ref name= "GuardianHarvard">{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/mediamonkeyblog/2010/jul/09/will-lewis-harvard-business-school|title=Will Lewis and the Harvard Business School big guns|last=Monkey|first=Media|date=July 9, 2010|website=theguardian.com|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709191141/https://www.theguardian.com/media/mediamonkeyblog/2010/jul/09/will-lewis-harvard-business-school|url-status=live}}</ref>


In November 2009, Lewis returned to the UK, and founded Euston Partners, a digital development division based in Euston, London, staffed by a team of Telegraph employees.<ref name= "CampaignNov2009">{{Cite web|url= https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/lewis-head-digital-telegraph-group/969846|title = Lewis to head digital for Telegraph group|last=Bowser|first=Jackie|date=November 26, 2009|website=campaign.co.uk|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020}}</ref> The aim of the division was to find a way for newspapers to make money from the emerging App economy.<ref name= "PressGazetteEuston">{{Cite web|url= https://www.pressgazette.co.uk/euston-partners-dispute-may-have-prompted-lewis-exit/|title = Euston Partners dispute may have prompted Lewis exit|last=Ponsford|first=Dominic|date= May 6, 2010|website=pressgazette.co.uk|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020}}</ref> In January 2010 Lewis took the title of Managing Director Digital, while retaining his position of group editor in chief. Shortly after this he gave up the daily running of ''Sunday'' and ''Daily Telegraph''. He was succeeded in the editor's chair by ] in late 2009, but remained editor-in-chief.<ref name= "PressGazetteMDDigital">{{Cite web|url= https://www.pressgazette.co.uk/new-telegraph-editor-as-will-lewis-becomes-md-digital/|title = New Telegraph editor as Will Lewis becomes MD digital|last=Ponsford|first=Dominic|date= Nov 26, 2009|website=pressgazette.co.uk|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2010}}</ref> In November 2009, Lewis returned to the UK, and founded Euston Partners, a digital development division based in Euston, London, staffed by a team of Telegraph employees.<ref name= "CampaignNov2009">{{Cite web|url=https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/lewis-head-digital-telegraph-group/969846|title=Lewis to head digital for Telegraph group|last=Bowser|first=Jackie|date=November 26, 2009|website=campaign.co.uk|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020|archive-date=29 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129200026/https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/lewis-head-digital-telegraph-group/969846|url-status=live}}</ref> The aim of the division was to find a way for newspapers to make money from the emerging App economy.<ref name= "PressGazetteEuston">{{Cite web|url=https://www.pressgazette.co.uk/euston-partners-dispute-may-have-prompted-lewis-exit/|title=Euston Partners dispute may have prompted Lewis exit|last=Ponsford|first=Dominic|date=May 6, 2010|website=pressgazette.co.uk|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020|archive-date=29 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129194053/https://www.pressgazette.co.uk/euston-partners-dispute-may-have-prompted-lewis-exit/|url-status=live}}</ref> In January 2010 Lewis took the title of Managing Director Digital, while retaining his position of group editor in chief. Shortly after this he gave up the daily running of ''Sunday'' and ''Daily Telegraph''. He was succeeded in the editor's chair by ] in late 2009, but remained editor-in-chief.<ref name= "PressGazetteMDDigital">{{Cite web|url=https://www.pressgazette.co.uk/new-telegraph-editor-as-will-lewis-becomes-md-digital/|title=New Telegraph editor as Will Lewis becomes MD digital|last=Ponsford|first=Dominic|date=Nov 26, 2009|website=pressgazette.co.uk|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2010|archive-date=29 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129195426/https://www.pressgazette.co.uk/new-telegraph-editor-as-will-lewis-becomes-md-digital/|url-status=live}}</ref>


At the 2010 British Press Awards, ''The Telegraph'' was named the "National Newspaper of the Year" for its coverage of the ] (named "Scoop of the Year"), with Lewis winning "Journalist of the Year" for his role.<ref name= "PressGazetteAward">{{Cite news|url= https://www.pressgazette.co.uk/british-press-awards-2010-full-list-of-winners/|title = British Press Awards 2010: Full list of winners|last=Gazette|first=Press|date= Nov 26, 2009|newspaper=Press Gazette|language=en|access-date=March 24, 2010}}</ref> At the 2010 British Press Awards, ''The Telegraph'' was named the "National Newspaper of the Year" for its coverage of the ] (named "Scoop of the Year"), with Lewis winning "Journalist of the Year" for his role.<ref name= "PressGazetteAward">{{Cite news|url=https://www.pressgazette.co.uk/british-press-awards-2010-full-list-of-winners/|title=British Press Awards 2010: Full list of winners|date=Nov 26, 2009|newspaper=Press Gazette|language=en|access-date=March 24, 2010|archive-date=30 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181230181224/https://www.pressgazette.co.uk/british-press-awards-2010-full-list-of-winners/|url-status=live}}</ref>


Accepting his award Lewis said: "If there was ever a story that proved that news still sells newspapers I suspect this was it."<ref name= "GuardianPressAwards">{{Cite web|url= https://www.theguardian.com/media/2010/mar/24/british-press-awards-2010-telegraph-expenses|title = Daily Telegraph dominates British Press Awards with expenses exposé|last=Brook|first=Stephen|date=March 24, 2010|website=theguardian.com|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020}}</ref> Accepting his award Lewis said: "If there was ever a story that proved that news still sells newspapers I suspect this was it."<ref name= "GuardianPressAwards">{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2010/mar/24/british-press-awards-2010-telegraph-expenses|title=Daily Telegraph dominates British Press Awards with expenses exposé|last=Brook|first=Stephen|date=March 24, 2010|website=theguardian.com|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020|archive-date=16 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116212100/https://www.theguardian.com/media/2010/mar/24/british-press-awards-2010-telegraph-expenses|url-status=live}}</ref>


Despite this success, all was not well within TMG. Lewis wanted to create a standalone business with a "start-up mentality" from the digital unit, whereas MacLennan wanted the Euston-based project to remain within his control at TMG.<ref name= "MarketingWeekQuits">{{Cite web|url= https://www.marketingweek.com/will-lewis-quits-telegraph-media-group/|title = Will Lewis Quits Telegraph Media Group|last=McEleny|first=Charlottle|date= May 6, 2010|website=marketingweek.com|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2010}}</ref><ref name= "GuardianTelegraphExit">{{Cite web|url= https://www.theguardian.com/media/2010/may/10/will-lewis-telegraph-digital-strategy|title = Will Lewis's exit puts big question over Telegraph's digital strategy|last=Martinson|first=Jane|date=May 10, 2010|website=theguardian.com|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020}}</ref> Unable to come to an agreement with MacLennan, Lewis departed on May 5, 2010,<ref name= "FTTelegraphExit">{{Cite web|url= https://www.ft.com/content/6b7a97ac-588d-11df-9921-00144feab49a|title = Lewis departs from Telegraph Group|last=Fenton|first=Ben|date=May 5, 2010|website=ft.com|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020}}</ref> just six months. The split was described in the press as "amicable" but that Maclennan had been "impatient to see results". TMG said they would continue to maintain the digital division.<ref name= "PressGazetteLewisExit">{{Cite web|url= https://www.pressgazette.co.uk/abrupt-exit-for-will-lewis-after-five-years-at-telegraph/|title = Abrupt exit for Will Lewis after five years at Telegraph|last=Gazette|first=Press|date= May 6, 2010|website=pressgazette.co.uk|language=en|access-date=March 24, 2010}}</ref> Despite this success, all was not well within TMG. Lewis wanted to create a standalone business with a "start-up mentality" from the digital unit, whereas MacLennan wanted the Euston-based project to remain within his control at TMG.<ref name= "MarketingWeekQuits">{{Cite web|url=https://www.marketingweek.com/will-lewis-quits-telegraph-media-group/|title=Will Lewis Quits Telegraph Media Group|last=McEleny|first=Charlottle|date=May 6, 2010|website=marketingweek.com|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2010|archive-date=29 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129194051/https://www.marketingweek.com/will-lewis-quits-telegraph-media-group/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name= "GuardianTelegraphExit">{{Cite web|url= https://www.theguardian.com/media/2010/may/10/will-lewis-telegraph-digital-strategy|title = Will Lewis's exit puts big question over Telegraph's digital strategy|last=Martinson|first=Jane|date=May 10, 2010|website=theguardian.com|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020}}</ref> Unable to come to an agreement with MacLennan, Lewis departed on May 5, 2010,<ref name= "FTTelegraphExit">{{Cite web|url=https://www.ft.com/content/6b7a97ac-588d-11df-9921-00144feab49a|title=Lewis departs from Telegraph Group|last=Fenton|first=Ben|date=May 5, 2010|website=ft.com|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020|archive-date=29 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129194049/https://www.ft.com/content/6b7a97ac-588d-11df-9921-00144feab49a|url-status=live}}</ref> just six months. The split was described in the press as "amicable" but that Maclennan had been "impatient to see results". TMG said they would continue to maintain the digital division.<ref name= "PressGazetteLewisExit">{{Cite web|url=https://www.pressgazette.co.uk/abrupt-exit-for-will-lewis-after-five-years-at-telegraph/|title=Abrupt exit for Will Lewis after five years at Telegraph|last=Gazette|first=Press|date=May 6, 2010|website=pressgazette.co.uk|language=en|access-date=March 24, 2010|archive-date=29 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129194051/https://www.pressgazette.co.uk/abrupt-exit-for-will-lewis-after-five-years-at-telegraph/|url-status=live}}</ref>


==News International== ==News International==
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|last=Sabbagh|first=Dan|date=July 20, 2012|website=guardian.com|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020}}</ref> |last=Sabbagh|first=Dan|date=July 20, 2012|website=guardian.com|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020}}</ref>


Almost immediately on joining, an article in '']'' caused the ongoing issue of illegal phone message interception by the ''News of the World'' to flare up.<ref name= "NYTphonehacking">{{Cite web|url= https://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/05/magazine/05hacking-t.html |title = Tabloid Hack Attack on Royals, and Beyond Almost immediately on joining, an article in '']'' caused the ongoing issue of illegal phone message interception by the ''News of the World'' to flare up.<ref name= "NYTphonehacking">{{Cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/05/magazine/05hacking-t.html|title=Tabloid Hack Attack on Royals, and Beyond|last=Van Natta Jr|first=Don|date=September 1, 2010|website=]|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020|archive-date=27 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200327074851/https://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/05/magazine/05hacking-t.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
|last=Van Natta Jr|first=Don|date=September 1, 2010|website=]|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020}}</ref>
Towards the end of 2010, Lewis was informed that the company was facing a large number of civil actions relating to phone hacking.<ref name= "GuardianPCC">{{Cite web|url= https://www.theguardian.com/media/2010/sep/21/phone-hacking-news-of-the-world|title = PCC to re-examine News of the World phone-hacking evidence Towards the end of 2010, Lewis was informed that the company was facing a large number of civil actions relating to phone hacking.<ref name= "GuardianPCC">{{Cite web|url= https://www.theguardian.com/media/2010/sep/21/phone-hacking-news-of-the-world|title = PCC to re-examine News of the World phone-hacking evidence
|last=Robinson|first=James|date=September 21, 2010|website=guardian.com|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020}}</ref> |last=Robinson|first=James|date=September 21, 2010|website=guardian.com|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020}}</ref>
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|last=O'Carroll|first=Lisa|date=March 3, 2014|website=guardian.com|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020}}</ref> |last=O'Carroll|first=Lisa|date=March 3, 2014|website=guardian.com|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020}}</ref>


He stepped down as group general manager in July 2011 to take a role as an executive member of the Management and Standards Committee, an independent division of News Corp mandated by the board to cooperate fully with all authorities investigating wrongdoing at News International.<ref name= "PRWeekMSC">{{Cite web|url= https://www.prweek.com/article/1080633/news-internationals-will-lewis-simon-greenberg-seconded-newscorp|title = News International's Will Lewis and Simon Greenberg seconded to NewsCorp He stepped down as group general manager in July 2011 to take a role as an executive member of the Management and Standards Committee, an independent division of News Corp mandated by the board to cooperate fully with all authorities investigating wrongdoing at News International.<ref name= "PRWeekMSC">{{Cite web|url=https://www.prweek.com/article/1080633/news-internationals-will-lewis-simon-greenberg-seconded-newscorp|title=News International's Will Lewis and Simon Greenberg seconded to NewsCorp|last=Rogers|first=Danny|date=July 18, 2011|website=prweek.com|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020|archive-date=29 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129210129/https://www.prweek.com/article/1080633/news-internationals-will-lewis-simon-greenberg-seconded-newscorp|url-status=live}}</ref>

|last=Rogers|first=Danny|date=July 18, 2011|website=prweek.com|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020}}</ref>
In July 2024 former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown announced London police are looking into claims Lewis was involved in a 2011 mass cover-up of phone hacking by British tabloids. <ref>{{Cite news |last=McDougall |first=A. J. |date=2024-08-01 |title=U.K. Cops Probe WaPo CEO Will Lewis Over Email Cover-up |url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/uk-cops-probe-whether-wapo-publisher-will-lewis-tried-to-frame-british-pm |access-date=2024-08-01 |work=The Daily Beast |language=en}}</ref>


==Management and Standards Committee== ==Management and Standards Committee==


The formal establishment of the Management and Standards Committee was confirmed on July 18, 2011. The MSC was chaired by ], a senior commercial lawyer, taking legal advice from the law firm ]. The MSC reported directly to News Corp board members ] and ]. Both Dinh and Klein were former US Assistant Attorney Generals. Lewis, was named in the press release as a "full time executive member.<ref name= "NewsCorpMSCannouce">{{Cite web|url= https://newscorp.com/corporate-governance/uk-newspaper-matters/management-and-standards-committee/|title = Management and Standards Committee The formal establishment of the Management and Standards Committee was confirmed on July 18, 2011. The MSC was chaired by ], a senior commercial lawyer, taking legal advice from the law firm ]. The MSC reported directly to News Corp board members ] and ]. Both Dinh and Klein were former US Assistant Attorney Generals. Lewis, was named in the press release as a "full time executive member.<ref name= "NewsCorpMSCannouce">{{Cite web|url=https://newscorp.com/corporate-governance/uk-newspaper-matters/management-and-standards-committee/|title=Management and Standards Committee|last=Corp|first=News|date=2013|website=newscorp.com|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020|archive-date=29 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129211812/https://newscorp.com/corporate-governance/uk-newspaper-matters/management-and-standards-committee/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name= "GuardianNewsCorpMSCannouce">{{Cite web|url= https://www.theguardian.com/media/2011/jul/18/news-corp-hacking-scandal/|title = News Corp appoints independent chairman to deal with hacking scandal|last=Deans|first=Jason|date=July 18, 2011|website=guardian.com|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020}}</ref> He was joined in the role by ].<ref name="PRWeekGreenberg">{{cite news |last=Rogers |first=Danny |date=2011-07-18 |title=News International Will Lewis and Simon Greenberg seconded to News Corp |url=https://www.prweek.com/article/1080633/news-internationals-will-lewis-simon-greenberg-seconded-newscorp |work=PR Week |location=UK |access-date=2022-04-03 |archive-date=29 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129210129/https://www.prweek.com/article/1080633/news-internationals-will-lewis-simon-greenberg-seconded-newscorp |url-status=live }}</ref>
|last=Corp|first=News|date=2013|website=newscorp.com|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020}}</ref><ref name= "GuardianNewsCorpMSCannouce">{{Cite web|url= https://www.theguardian.com/media/2011/jul/18/news-corp-hacking-scandal/|title = News Corp appoints independent chairman to deal with hacking scandal|last=Deans|first=Jason|date=July 18, 2011|website=guardian.com|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020}}</ref> He was joined in the role by ].<ref name="PRWeekGreenberg">{{cite news |last=Rogers |first=Danny |date=2011-07-18 |title=News International Will Lewis and Simon Greenberg seconded to News Corp |url=https://www.prweek.com/article/1080633/news-internationals-will-lewis-simon-greenberg-seconded-newscorp |work=PR Week |location=UK |access-date=2022-04-03}}</ref>


The Terms of Reference were published on 21 July 2011.<ref name= "NewsUKMSCterms">{{Cite web|url= https://www.news.co.uk/2011/07/news-corporations-management-and-standards-committee-msc-has-today-thursday-july-21-published-its-terms-of-reference-tor/|title = News Corporation's Management and Standards Committee (MSC) has today (Thursday, July 21) published its Terms of Reference (ToR) The Terms of Reference were published on 21 July 2011.<ref name= "NewsUKMSCterms">{{Cite web|url=https://www.news.co.uk/2011/07/news-corporations-management-and-standards-committee-msc-has-today-thursday-july-21-published-its-terms-of-reference-tor/|title=News Corporation's Management and Standards Committee (MSC) has today (Thursday, July 21) published its Terms of Reference (ToR)|last=Corp|first=News|date=July 21, 2011|website=news.co.uk|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020|archive-date=29 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129211811/https://www.news.co.uk/2011/07/news-corporations-management-and-standards-committee-msc-has-today-thursday-july-21-published-its-terms-of-reference-tor/|url-status=live}}</ref> "The MSC was authorised to cooperate fully with all relevant investigations and inquiries in the News of the World phone hacking case, police payments and all other related issues across News International, as well as conducting its own enquiries where appropriate."
|last=Corp|first=News|date=July 21, 2011|website=news.co.uk|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020}}</ref> "The MSC was authorised to cooperate fully with all relevant investigations and inquiries in the News of the World phone hacking case, police payments and all other related issues across News International, as well as conducting its own enquiries where appropriate."


The MSC included 100 legal staff from Linklaters, as well as forensic advisers from ]. Their role was to review all law enforcement requests for evidence and comply if those requests were relevant to the various ongoing investigations.<ref name= "ReutersInsideMSC">{{Cite web|url= https://www.reuters.com/article/us-newsinternational/insight-inside-rupert-murdochs-uk-newspaper-clean-up-operation-idUSTRE8110PE20120202|title = Insight: Inside Rupert Murdoch's UK newspaper clean-up operation The MSC included 100 legal staff from Linklaters, as well as forensic advisers from ]. Their role was to review all law enforcement requests for evidence and comply if those requests were relevant to the various ongoing investigations.<ref name= "ReutersInsideMSC">{{Cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-newsinternational/insight-inside-rupert-murdochs-uk-newspaper-clean-up-operation-idUSTRE8110PE20120202|title=Insight: Inside Rupert Murdoch's UK newspaper clean-up operation|last=Prodhan|first=Georgina|date=February 2, 2012|website=reuters.com|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020|archive-date=29 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129222931/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-newsinternational/insight-inside-rupert-murdochs-uk-newspaper-clean-up-operation-idUSTRE8110PE20120202|url-status=live}}</ref>
|last=Prodhan|first=Georgina|date=February 2, 2012|website=reuters.com|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020}}</ref>


] investigations ] (phone hacking) and ] (corruption of public officials) resulted in a string of arrests of News International journalists from October 2011 to Mid 2012, prompting complaints from Sun staff that the paper was subject to a "witch hunt."<ref name= "NewsCorpCivilWar">{{Cite web|url= https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/9080015/News-Corp-descends-into-civil-war-after-latest-Sun-arrests.html|title = News Corp descends into civil war after latest Sun arrests ] investigations ] (phone hacking) and ] (corruption of public officials) resulted in a string of arrests of News International journalists from October 2011 to Mid 2012, prompting complaints from Sun staff that the paper was subject to a "witch hunt."<ref name= "NewsCorpCivilWar">{{Cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/9080015/News-Corp-descends-into-civil-war-after-latest-Sun-arrests.html|title=News Corp descends into civil war after latest Sun arrests|last=Ward|first=Victoria|date=February 13, 2012|website=telegraph.co.uk|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020|archive-date=29 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129211810/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/9080015/News-Corp-descends-into-civil-war-after-latest-Sun-arrests.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Though no Sun journalists were successfully convicted by Operation Elveden, ''News of the World'' feature writer Dan Evans received a 10-month suspended sentence. Operation Weeting successfully convicted ''News of the World'' journalists Neville Thurlbeck and ] who were both sentenced to six months in prison. Former ''News of the World'' editor ] received an 18-month sentence.<ref name= "BBCElvedenlegacy">{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-35666520|title=Operation Elveden corruption probe ends|last=News|first=BBC|date=February 26, 2016|website=bbc.com|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020|archive-date=30 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200130050009/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-35666520|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name= "BBCWeetingConvictions">{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-28160626|title=Andy Coulson jailed for 18 months over phone hacking|last=News|first=BBC|date=July 4, 2014|website=bbc.com|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020|archive-date=30 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200130084057/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-28160626|url-status=live}}</ref>
|last=Ward|first=Victoria|date=February 13, 2012|website=telegraph.co.uk|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020}}</ref> Though no Sun journalists were successfully convicted by Operation Elveden, ''News of the World'' feature writer Dan Evans received a 10-month suspended sentence. Operation Weeting successfully convicted ''News of the World'' journalists Neville Thurlbeck and ] who were both sentenced to six months in prison. Former ''News of the World'' editor ] received an 18-month sentence.<ref name= "BBCElvedenlegacy">{{Cite web|url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-35666520|title = Operation Elveden corruption probe ends
|last=News|first=BBC|date=February 26, 2016|website=bbc.com|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020}}</ref><ref name= "BBCWeetingConvictions">{{Cite web|url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-28160626|title = Andy Coulson jailed for 18 months over phone hacking
|last=News|first=BBC|date=July 4, 2014|website=bbc.com|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020}}</ref>


As of 20 July 2012, Lewis began the process of departing the MSC.<ref name= "GuardianMSCExit"/> As of 20 July 2012, Lewis began the process of departing the MSC.<ref name= "GuardianMSCExit"/>
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===Vince Cable leak allegation=== ===Vince Cable leak allegation===


In December 2010, ''Daily Telegraph'' reporters secretly recorded the UK Business Secretary ] making a number of unguarded remarks about the UK government and also his view that "we have declared war on ]". ''The Telegraph'' reported the remarks about government, but did not publish his views on Murdoch. These views were controversial, because Cable was overseeing in a sub-judicial role the bid by Murdoch's ] for all of ]. The remarks about Murdoch were leaked to the BBC's Business Editor, ].<ref name=reuters1>{{cite news|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-newscorp-lewis-idUKTRE76L30S20110722|title=Exclusive – News Corp exec suspected of "orchestrating" leak|access-date=22 July 2011|work=Reuters|date=22 July 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2011/jul/22/willlewis-telegraphmediagroup|title=News Corp boss 'linked' to leak of Vince Cable's Rupert Murdoch comments|access-date=22 July 2011|work=The Guardian|date=22 July 2011|location=London|first=Josh|last=Halliday}}</ref> He broadcast them, to the consternation of ''The Telegraph'' and of Cable who was forced to step aside from his oversight of the BSkyB bid. In December 2010, ''Daily Telegraph'' reporters secretly recorded the UK Business Secretary ] making a number of unguarded remarks about the UK government and also his view that "we have declared war on ]". ''The Telegraph'' reported the remarks about government, but did not publish his views on Murdoch. These views were controversial, because Cable was overseeing in a sub-judicial role the bid by Murdoch's ] for all of ]. The remarks about Murdoch were leaked to the BBC's Business Editor, ].<ref name=reuters1>{{cite news|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-newscorp-lewis-idUKTRE76L30S20110722|title=Exclusive – News Corp exec suspected of "orchestrating" leak|access-date=22 July 2011|work=Reuters|date=22 July 2011|archive-date=7 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307043540/http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-newscorp-lewis-idUKTRE76L30S20110722|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2011/jul/22/willlewis-telegraphmediagroup|title=News Corp boss 'linked' to leak of Vince Cable's Rupert Murdoch comments|access-date=22 July 2011|work=The Guardian|date=22 July 2011|location=London|first=Josh|last=Halliday|archive-date=10 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170510152938/https://www.theguardian.com/media/2011/jul/22/willlewis-telegraphmediagroup|url-status=live}}</ref> He broadcast them, to the consternation of ''The Telegraph'' and of Cable who was forced to step aside from his oversight of the BSkyB bid.


Despite the fact that the subject of the transcript was clearly in the public interest, ''Telegraph'' management hired the detective agency Kroll to find the source of the leak.<ref name= "NYTCableAllegation">{{Cite web|url= https://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/23/world/europe/23telegraph.html|title = Editor in Battle Over Story Complicate Hacking Scandal Despite the fact that the subject of the transcript was clearly in the public interest, ''Telegraph'' management hired the detective agency Kroll to find the source of the leak.<ref name= "NYTCableAllegation">{{Cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/23/world/europe/23telegraph.html|title=Editor in Battle Over Story Complicate Hacking Scandal|last=Van Natta|first=Don|date=July 22, 2011|website=]|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020|archive-date=29 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129223124/https://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/23/world/europe/23telegraph.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name= "GuardianKrollCableAllegation">{{Cite web|url= https://www.theguardian.com/media/2011/mar/01/daily-telegraph-vince-cable-leak|title = Daily Telegraph internal inquiry clears journalists of Vince Cable leak
|last=Van Natta|first=Don|date=July 22, 2011|website=]|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020}}</ref><ref name= "GuardianKrollCableAllegation">{{Cite web|url= https://www.theguardian.com/media/2011/mar/01/daily-telegraph-vince-cable-leak|title = Daily Telegraph internal inquiry clears journalists of Vince Cable leak
|last=Greenslade|first=Roy|date=March 1, 2011|website=guardian.com|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020}}</ref> |last=Greenslade|first=Roy|date=March 1, 2011|website=guardian.com|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020}}</ref>


In July 2011, ] reported that the corporate investigations firm ] had "strong reasons" to suspect that Lewis had been involved in the leak to Peston. The leaks took place three months after Lewis left the ''Telegraph''. They were seen to be of commercial benefit to News Corporation, the parent company of News International, in relation to the ]. Kroll interviewed several ''Telegraph'' journalists, and examined their email and phone records, but was unable to determine which disgruntled journalists decided to blow the whistle on the ''Telegraph''{{'}}s decision not to publish the Cable comments on Murdoch. In July 2011, ] reported that the corporate investigations firm ] had "strong reasons" to suspect that Lewis had been involved in the leak to Peston. The leaks took place three months after Lewis left the ''Telegraph''. They were seen to be of commercial benefit to News Corporation, the parent company of News International, in relation to the ]. Kroll interviewed several ''Telegraph'' journalists, and examined their email and phone records, but was unable to determine which disgruntled journalists decided to blow the whistle on the ''Telegraph''{{'}}s decision not to publish the Cable comments on Murdoch.


Reuters also reported that Kroll had identified that TMG's information security systems were porous and too many people had access to the relevant systems for the leaker to be pinpointed.<ref name= "ReutersCableAllegation">{{Cite web|url= https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-newscorp-lewis/exclusive-news-corp-exec-suspected-in-leak-idUKTRE76L30S20110722|title = Exclusive - News Corp exec suspected in leak Reuters also reported that Kroll had identified that TMG's information security systems were porous and too many people had access to the relevant systems for the leaker to be pinpointed.<ref name= "ReutersCableAllegation">{{Cite web|url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-newscorp-lewis/exclusive-news-corp-exec-suspected-in-leak-idUKTRE76L30S20110722|title=Exclusive - News Corp exec suspected in leak|last=Hosenball|first=Mark|date=July 22, 2011|website=reuters.com|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020|archive-date=29 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129223035/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-newscorp-lewis/exclusive-news-corp-exec-suspected-in-leak-idUKTRE76L30S20110722|url-status=dead}}</ref> Kroll advised ''The Telegraph'' that because of the number of people who had access to databanks (which included employees for telecoms giant ]) a continued investigation would be unlikely to produce a conclusive result. Kroll did not interview Lewis in the course of the investigation.
|last=Hosenball|first=Mark|date=July 22, 2011|website=reuters.com|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020}}</ref> Kroll advised ''The Telegraph'' that because of the number of people who had access to databanks (which included employees for telecoms giant ]) a continued investigation would be unlikely to produce a conclusive result. Kroll did not interview Lewis in the course of the investigation.
Kroll's own admission the evidence they had gathered was circumstantial and pointed to 15 separate people at ''The Telegraph'' had access to the Cable audio file.<ref name= "ReutersCableAllegation"/><ref name= "NYTCableAllegation"/> Kroll's own admission the evidence they had gathered was circumstantial and pointed to 15 separate people at ''The Telegraph'' had access to the Cable audio file.<ref name= "ReutersCableAllegation"/><ref name= "NYTCableAllegation"/>


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|last=Rushe|first=Dominic|date=January 22, 2014|website=guardian.com|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020}}</ref> |last=Rushe|first=Dominic|date=January 22, 2014|website=guardian.com|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020}}</ref>


On 9 May 2014 Lewis was confirmed as CEO of Dow Jones and Company, and publisher of ''The Wall Street Journal'', following the departure of previous CEO Lex Fenwick in 2014.<ref name= "GuardianDowJonesConfirmed">{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2014/may/09/news-international-executive-dow-jones-will-lewis-phone-hacking|title =Ex-News International executive made permanent head of Dow Jones|last=O'Carroll|first=Lisa|date=May 9, 2014|website=guardian.com|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020}}</ref> Lewis had responsibility for the publication of ], America's largest newspaper by paid circulation; ], the business information and research tool; ], the weekly magazine and '']'' and Newswires. He has focused on modernising the ''Wall Street Journal'' newsroom, and developing the technology and data businesses.<ref name= "FTWSJmodernisation">{{Cite web|url=https://www.ft.com/content/e9e7e444-aaef-11e6-9cb3-bb8207902122|title =Wall Street Journal slims down amid slide in advertising|last=Garrahan|first=Matthew|date=May 9, 2014|website=ft.com|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020}}</ref> On 9 May 2014 Lewis was confirmed as CEO of Dow Jones and Company, and publisher of ''The Wall Street Journal'', following the departure of previous CEO Lex Fenwick in 2014.<ref name= "GuardianDowJonesConfirmed">{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2014/may/09/news-international-executive-dow-jones-will-lewis-phone-hacking|title =Ex-News International executive made permanent head of Dow Jones|last=O'Carroll|first=Lisa|date=May 9, 2014|website=guardian.com|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020}}</ref> Lewis had responsibility for the publication of ], America's largest newspaper by paid circulation; ], the business information and research tool; ], the weekly magazine and '']'' and Newswires. He has focused on modernising the ''Wall Street Journal'' newsroom, and developing the technology and data businesses.<ref name= "FTWSJmodernisation">{{Cite web|url=https://www.ft.com/content/e9e7e444-aaef-11e6-9cb3-bb8207902122|title=Wall Street Journal slims down amid slide in advertising|last=Garrahan|first=Matthew|date=May 9, 2014|website=ft.com|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020|archive-date=29 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129234059/https://www.ft.com/content/e9e7e444-aaef-11e6-9cb3-bb8207902122|url-status=live}}</ref>


Since 2014 the company has experienced growth in readership and revenues, most recently Dow Jones reported 6% growth in 2019 News Corp results.<ref name= "WSJDowJonesLoss">{{Cite web|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/news-corp-swings-to-loss-on-coupon-business-charge-currency-headwinds-11573172452|title =News Corp Swings to Loss on Coupon-Business Charge, Currency Headwinds|last=Alpert|first=Lukas .I|date=May 9, 2014|website=wsj.com|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020}}</ref> Dow Jones Risk & Compliance data business reported 22% revenue growth in the third quarter of fiscal 2019. During his tenure, the WSJ won a ]<ref name= "PoynterWSJPulitzer">{{Cite web|url=https://www.poynter.org/reporting-editing/2019/puzzling-over-pulitzers-at-the-wall-street-journal/|title =Puzzling over Pulitzers at The Wall Street Journal|last=HArris Jr.|first=Roy J.|date=April 9, 2019|website=poynter.org|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020}}</ref> for uncovering ] relationship with ] and payoffs to the adult movie actress, ]. Since 2014 the company has experienced growth in readership and revenues, most recently Dow Jones reported 6% growth in 2019 News Corp results.<ref name= "WSJDowJonesLoss">{{Cite web|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/news-corp-swings-to-loss-on-coupon-business-charge-currency-headwinds-11573172452|title=News Corp Swings to Loss on Coupon-Business Charge, Currency Headwinds|last=Alpert|first=Lukas .I|date=May 9, 2014|website=wsj.com|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020|archive-date=29 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129215516/https://www.wsj.com/articles/news-corp-swings-to-loss-on-coupon-business-charge-currency-headwinds-11573172452|url-status=live}}</ref> Dow Jones Risk & Compliance data business reported 22% revenue growth in the third quarter of fiscal 2019. During his tenure, the WSJ won a ]<ref name= "PoynterWSJPulitzer">{{Cite web|url=https://www.poynter.org/reporting-editing/2019/puzzling-over-pulitzers-at-the-wall-street-journal/|title=Puzzling over Pulitzers at The Wall Street Journal|last=HArris Jr.|first=Roy J.|date=April 9, 2019|website=poynter.org|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020|archive-date=29 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129234035/https://www.poynter.org/reporting-editing/2019/puzzling-over-pulitzers-at-the-wall-street-journal/|url-status=live}}</ref> for uncovering ] relationship with ] and payoffs to the adult movie actress, ].


In an interview with ''The New York Times'' he commented on his leadership approach: "I think that the chief executive or leader should often be the agitator in chief as well... You constantly think about the next iteration of the model and structure."<ref name= "NYTAgitatorinchief">{{Cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/04/business/international/dow-jones-wall-street-journal-william-lewis.html|title =The 'Agitator in Chief' of Dow Jones|last=Kolesnikov-Jessop|first=Sonia|date=July 3, 2016|website=]|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020}}</ref> In an interview with ''The New York Times'' he commented on his leadership approach: "I think that the chief executive or leader should often be the agitator in chief as well... You constantly think about the next iteration of the model and structure."<ref name= "NYTAgitatorinchief">{{Cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/04/business/international/dow-jones-wall-street-journal-william-lewis.html|title=The 'Agitator in Chief' of Dow Jones|last=Kolesnikov-Jessop|first=Sonia|date=July 3, 2016|website=]|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020|archive-date=29 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129234033/https://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/04/business/international/dow-jones-wall-street-journal-william-lewis.html|url-status=live}}</ref>


In 2017 the company announced a partnership with the UK's ] to support international engagement for the Theatre company.<ref name= "WSJandNT">{{Cite press release|url=https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2017/06/22/1027649/0/en/Wall-Street-Journal-and-National-Theatre-Announce-Global-Storytelling-Partnership.html|title =Wall Street Journal and National Theatre Announce Global Storytelling Partnership|last=Jones|first=Dow|date=June 22, 2017|website=globenewswire.com|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020}}</ref> In 2017 the company announced a partnership with the UK's ] to support international engagement for the Theatre company.<ref name= "WSJandNT">{{Cite press release|url=https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2017/06/22/1027649/0/en/Wall-Street-Journal-and-National-Theatre-Announce-Global-Storytelling-Partnership.html|title=Wall Street Journal and National Theatre Announce Global Storytelling Partnership|last=Jones|first=Dow|date=June 22, 2017|website=globenewswire.com|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020|archive-date=29 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129234100/https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2017/06/22/1027649/0/en/Wall-Street-Journal-and-National-Theatre-Announce-Global-Storytelling-Partnership.html|url-status=live}}</ref>


===Criticism of Google and Facebook=== ===Criticism of Google and Facebook===
Lewis has regularly made the case for professional media and has criticised technology companies for contributing to the rise of fake news. Lewis has regularly made the case for professional media and has criticised technology companies for contributing to the rise of fake news.


In a panel at ] in 2015 he said that: "the issue for us, and I think the broader industry, is do we run headless chicken-like towards offers from companies like Apple and Facebook to put our content in their walled gardens?. Or do we pause and think together about what the most appropriate way of dealing with these opportunities are and make sure that we don't repeat the mistakes of the past? Professionally created news is of incredible importance in society and has deep moral purpose".<ref name= "CannesWalledGardens">{{Cite web|url=https://fortune.com/2015/06/25/dow-jones-walled-gardens/|title =Dow Jones chief warns media orgs about getting cozy with Facebook and Apple|last=Ingram|first=Mathew|date=June 25, 2015|website=fortune.com|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020}}</ref> In a panel at ] in 2015 he said that: "the issue for us, and I think the broader industry, is do we run headless chicken-like towards offers from companies like Apple and Facebook to put our content in their walled gardens?. Or do we pause and think together about what the most appropriate way of dealing with these opportunities are and make sure that we don't repeat the mistakes of the past? Professionally created news is of incredible importance in society and has deep moral purpose".<ref name= "CannesWalledGardens">{{Cite web|url=https://fortune.com/2015/06/25/dow-jones-walled-gardens/|title=Dow Jones chief warns media orgs about getting cozy with Facebook and Apple|last=Ingram|first=Mathew|date=June 25, 2015|website=fortune.com|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020|archive-date=29 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129234031/https://fortune.com/2015/06/25/dow-jones-walled-gardens/|url-status=live}}</ref>


In a 2016 interview with Ian Burrell of ''The Drum'' magazine, Lewis accused Facebook and Google of "killing news" commenting that he spent years "badgering away" at Google and Facebook, trying to persuade them to change their news distribution methods. "We kept warning them, saying 'This is an accident waiting to happen – you are treating fake news in the same way as you are treating Wall Street Journal news. This is going to end up biting you.' And so here it is, biting them!<ref name= "facebookgooglekillingnews">{{Cite web|url=https://www.thedrum.com/opinion/2016/12/01/dow-jones-chief-accuses-google-and-facebook-killing-news|title =Dow Jones chief accuses Google and Facebook of 'killing news'|last=Burrell|first=Ian|date=December 1, 2016|website=thedrum.com|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020}}</ref> In a 2016 interview with Ian Burrell of ''The Drum'' magazine, Lewis accused Facebook and Google of "killing news" commenting that he spent years "badgering away" at Google and Facebook, trying to persuade them to change their news distribution methods. "We kept warning them, saying 'This is an accident waiting to happen – you are treating fake news in the same way as you are treating Wall Street Journal news. This is going to end up biting you.' And so here it is, biting them!<ref name= "facebookgooglekillingnews">{{Cite web|url=https://www.thedrum.com/opinion/2016/12/01/dow-jones-chief-accuses-google-and-facebook-killing-news|title=Dow Jones chief accuses Google and Facebook of 'killing news'|last=Burrell|first=Ian|date=December 1, 2016|website=thedrum.com|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020|archive-date=29 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129235603/https://www.thedrum.com/opinion/2016/12/01/dow-jones-chief-accuses-google-and-facebook-killing-news|url-status=live}}</ref>


In an interview with the ''Evening Standard'' in 2017 he commented: "Everyone can now see very clearly the grave problem with ]. Google has played an incredibly destructive role. And when professional media disappears, bad things follow".<ref name= "ESlordofwallstreet"/> In an interview with the ''Evening Standard'' in 2017 he commented: "Everyone can now see very clearly the grave problem with ]. Google has played an incredibly destructive role. And when professional media disappears, bad things follow".<ref name= "ESlordofwallstreet"/>


Lewis has since led negotiations with Apple<ref name= "NYTnewpaidapplenewsWSJ">{{Cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/20/technology/apple-news-wall-street-journal.html|title =New Paid Apple News Service Said to Feature Wall Street Journal|last=Isaac|first=Mike|date=March 20, 2019|website=]|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020}}</ref> and Facebook.<ref name= "WSJfacebookdeal">{{Cite web|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/facebook-reaches-deal-with-wall-street-journal-publisher-others-for-news-section-11571431387|title =Facebook Reaches Deal With Wall Street Journal Publisher, Others for News Section|last=Alpert|first=Luka I.|date=October 18, 2019|website=wsj.com|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020}}</ref> In a newsroom meeting about the WSJ deal with Apple News plus Lewis said that the deal "will enable us to get our journalism in front of millions of people who may never have paid for our journalism before."<ref name= "WSJAppledealWSJ">{{Cite web|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/wall-street-journals-partnership-with-apple-marks-shift-in-strategy-11553556819|title =Wall Street Journal's Partnership With Apple Marks Shift in Strategy|last=Alpert|first=Luka I.|date=October 18, 2019|website=wsj.com|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020}}</ref> Lewis has since led negotiations with Apple<ref name= "NYTnewpaidapplenewsWSJ">{{Cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/20/technology/apple-news-wall-street-journal.html|title=New Paid Apple News Service Said to Feature Wall Street Journal|last=Isaac|first=Mike|date=March 20, 2019|website=]|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020|archive-date=28 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200128044929/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/20/technology/apple-news-wall-street-journal.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and Facebook.<ref name= "WSJfacebookdeal">{{Cite web|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/facebook-reaches-deal-with-wall-street-journal-publisher-others-for-news-section-11571431387|title=Facebook Reaches Deal With Wall Street Journal Publisher, Others for News Section|last=Alpert|first=Luka I.|date=October 18, 2019|website=wsj.com|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020|archive-date=29 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129234058/https://www.wsj.com/articles/facebook-reaches-deal-with-wall-street-journal-publisher-others-for-news-section-11571431387|url-status=live}}</ref> In a newsroom meeting about the WSJ deal with Apple News plus Lewis said that the deal "will enable us to get our journalism in front of millions of people who may never have paid for our journalism before."<ref name= "WSJAppledealWSJ">{{Cite web|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/wall-street-journals-partnership-with-apple-marks-shift-in-strategy-11553556819|title=Wall Street Journal's Partnership With Apple Marks Shift in Strategy|last=Alpert|first=Luka I.|date=October 18, 2019|website=wsj.com|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020|archive-date=30 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200130133946/https://www.wsj.com/articles/wall-street-journals-partnership-with-apple-marks-shift-in-strategy-11553556819|url-status=live}}</ref>


In October 2019, News Corp signed a deal with Facebook who agreed to pay a licensing fee to carry WSJ news on its platform. In October 2019, News Corp signed a deal with Facebook who agreed to pay a licensing fee to carry WSJ news on its platform.
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=== Support for diversity === === Support for diversity ===


As part of a 2016 review into its hiring and compensation practices, Dow Jones retained an outside consultancy, ].<ref name= "PoliticoDowJonesGenderPayHire">{{Cite web|url=https://www.politico.com/media/story/2016/04/dow-jones-hires-consultants-to-review-pay-disparity-claims-004489|title =Dow Jones hires consultants to review pay disparity claims|last=Sutton|first=Kelsey|date=April 21, 2016|website=politico.com|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020}}</ref> Lewis vowed to address all pay disparities within the company.<ref name= "TheCutGernderPay">{{Cite web|url=https://www.thecut.com/2016/03/wsj-dow-jones-vow-close-their-pay-gap.html|title =Dow Jones, The Wall Street Journal Aim to Close Pay Gap|last=Weaver|first=Hilary|date=March 24, 2016|website=thecut.com|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020}}</ref> In an email to employees he wrote: "Any pay disparity relating to an employee's race or gender is troubling and inconsistent with the standards I strive to maintain at Dow Jones. We must, as a matter of urgency, address these issues head on."<ref name= "TheHillGenderPay">{{Cite web|url=https://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/326156-wall-street-journal-staff-rip-white-male-newsroom-control|title =Wall Street Journal staff criticize lack of diversity in newsroom|last=Hensch|first=Mark|date=March 28, 2017|website=thecut.com|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020}}</ref> As part of a 2016 review into its hiring and compensation practices, Dow Jones retained an outside consultancy, ].<ref name= "PoliticoDowJonesGenderPayHire">{{Cite web|url=https://www.politico.com/media/story/2016/04/dow-jones-hires-consultants-to-review-pay-disparity-claims-004489|title=Dow Jones hires consultants to review pay disparity claims|last=Sutton|first=Kelsey|date=April 21, 2016|website=politico.com|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020|archive-date=29 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129234034/https://www.politico.com/media/story/2016/04/dow-jones-hires-consultants-to-review-pay-disparity-claims-004489|url-status=live}}</ref> Lewis vowed to address all pay disparities within the company.<ref name= "TheCutGernderPay">{{Cite web|url=https://www.thecut.com/2016/03/wsj-dow-jones-vow-close-their-pay-gap.html|title=Dow Jones, The Wall Street Journal Aim to Close Pay Gap|last=Weaver|first=Hilary|date=March 24, 2016|website=thecut.com|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020|archive-date=29 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129234035/https://www.thecut.com/2016/03/wsj-dow-jones-vow-close-their-pay-gap.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In an email to employees he wrote: "Any pay disparity relating to an employee's race or gender is troubling and inconsistent with the standards I strive to maintain at Dow Jones. We must, as a matter of urgency, address these issues head on."<ref name= "TheHillGenderPay">{{Cite web|url=https://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/326156-wall-street-journal-staff-rip-white-male-newsroom-control|title=Wall Street Journal staff criticize lack of diversity in newsroom|last=Hensch|first=Mark|date=March 28, 2017|website=thecut.com|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020|archive-date=29 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129234035/https://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/326156-wall-street-journal-staff-rip-white-male-newsroom-control|url-status=live}}</ref>
In a lecture to ] Lewis said: "Perhaps the most important role of being a good CEO is making sure you have the right people – with the most diverse backgrounds – in the most important jobs inside the company. I can tell you from personal experience that the more diverse a culture, the better the ideas and the increased likelihood of success."<ref name= "CassGenderPay">{{Cite web|url=https://www.city.ac.uk/news/2018/april/diversity-key-to-successful-leadership-says-dow-jones-ceo|title =Diversity key to successful leadership, says Dow Jones CEO|last=Ripley|first=Amy|date=March 28, 2017|website=city.ac.uk|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020}}</ref> In a lecture to ] Lewis said: "Perhaps the most important role of being a good CEO is making sure you have the right people – with the most diverse backgrounds – in the most important jobs inside the company. I can tell you from personal experience that the more diverse a culture, the better the ideas and the increased likelihood of success."<ref name= "CassGenderPay">{{Cite web|url=https://www.city.ac.uk/news/2018/april/diversity-key-to-successful-leadership-says-dow-jones-ceo|title=Diversity key to successful leadership, says Dow Jones CEO|last=Ripley|first=Amy|date=March 28, 2017|website=city.ac.uk|language=en|access-date=January 29, 2020|archive-date=29 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129235541/https://www.city.ac.uk/news/2018/april/diversity-key-to-successful-leadership-says-dow-jones-ceo|url-status=live}}</ref>


===China tensions=== ===China tensions===
In February 2020 China threatened that it would expel three Wall Street Journal staff following an opinion piece published on February 3 titled "The Real Sick Man of Asia”. The piece was critical of the Chinese government's secretive and slow response to the Coronavirus crisis.<ref name= "LewisStatementtoChina">{{Cite web|url=https://www.dowjones.com/press-room/statement-on-expulsion-of-wsj-reporters-from-china/|title =DowJonesChineseforeignaffairsstatement|last=Lewis|first=William|date=April 8, 2020|website=dowjones.com|language=en|access-date=April 9, 2020}}</ref> In February 2020 China threatened that it would expel three Wall Street Journal staff following an opinion piece published on February 3 titled "The Real Sick Man of Asia”. The piece was critical of the Chinese government's secretive and slow response to the Coronavirus crisis.<ref name= "LewisStatementtoChina">{{Cite web|url=https://www.dowjones.com/press-room/statement-on-expulsion-of-wsj-reporters-from-china/|title=DowJonesChineseforeignaffairsstatement|last=Lewis|first=William|date=April 8, 2020|website=dowjones.com|language=en|access-date=April 9, 2020|archive-date=13 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200413013138/https://www.dowjones.com/press-room/statement-on-expulsion-of-wsj-reporters-from-china/|url-status=live}}</ref>


China's announcement that it would expel the three journalists followed one day after the Trump administration redesignated five major Chinese news organizations as government not journalistic entities.<ref name= "NYTsickManofAsia">{{Cite web|url=https://www.dowjones.com/press-room/statement-on-expulsion-of-wsj-reporters-from-china/|title =Inside The Wall Street Journal, Tensions Rise Over 'Sick Man' China Headline|last=Tracy|first=Marc|date=February 22, 2020|website=]|language=en|access-date=April 9, 2020}}</ref> China's announcement that it would expel the three journalists followed one day after the Trump administration redesignated five major Chinese news organizations as government not journalistic entities.<ref name= "NYTsickManofAsia">{{Cite web|url=https://www.dowjones.com/press-room/statement-on-expulsion-of-wsj-reporters-from-china/|title=Inside The Wall Street Journal, Tensions Rise Over 'Sick Man' China Headline|last=Tracy|first=Marc|date=February 22, 2020|website=]|language=en|access-date=April 9, 2020|archive-date=13 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200413013138/https://www.dowjones.com/press-room/statement-on-expulsion-of-wsj-reporters-from-china/|url-status=live}}</ref>


On February 19, Lewis responded, stating that while he regretted the upset caused, "The need for quality, trusted news reporting from China is greater than ever; today’s decision to target our News department journalists greatly hinders that effort."<ref name= "LewisStatementtoChina"/> On February 19, Lewis responded, stating that while he regretted the upset caused, "The need for quality, trusted news reporting from China is greater than ever; today’s decision to target our News department journalists greatly hinders that effort."<ref name= "LewisStatementtoChina"/>
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], a spokesman for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, passed on a Chinese Government demand that the Wall Street Journal "recognize the seriousness of the error, openly and formally apologize, and investigate and punish those responsible, while retaining the need to take further measures against the newspaper.”<ref name= "NYTsickManofAsia"/> ], a spokesman for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, passed on a Chinese Government demand that the Wall Street Journal "recognize the seriousness of the error, openly and formally apologize, and investigate and punish those responsible, while retaining the need to take further measures against the newspaper.”<ref name= "NYTsickManofAsia"/>


Lewis did not apologize.<ref name= "ExitfromDowJonesNYT">{{Cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/08/business/media/dow-jones-wall-street-journal-william-lewis.html|title =Dow Jones Chief, William Lewis, to Step Down|last=Tracy|first=MArc|date=April 8, 2020|website=]|language=en|access-date=April 9, 2020}}</ref> Lewis did not apologize.<ref name= "ExitfromDowJonesNYT">{{Cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/08/business/media/dow-jones-wall-street-journal-william-lewis.html|title=Dow Jones Chief, William Lewis, to Step Down|last=Tracy|first=MArc|date=April 8, 2020|website=]|language=en|access-date=April 9, 2020|archive-date=9 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200409122642/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/08/business/media/dow-jones-wall-street-journal-william-lewis.html|url-status=live}}</ref>


===Resignation from Dow Jones=== ===Resignation from Dow Jones===


Lewis resigned as CEO on 8 April 2020.<ref name= "ExitfromDowJonesNYT"/> In an official company statement News Corp Chief Executive ] said, "Will Lewis has overseen a remarkable period of growth and digital transformation at Dow Jones, making it the finest news and professional information business in the world."<ref name= "ExitfromDowJonesNYT"/> Lewis was quoted in the press coverage as saying that his departure from the company was amicable and that he was looking forward to spending more time with his family in London. He was replaced by ].<ref name="nyt-latour-ceo">{{cite news |last1=Padilla |first1=Mariel |title=Almar Latour Is Named Chief Executive of Dow Jones |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/04/business/media/dow-jones-almar-latour-wall-street-journal.html |access-date=15 July 2020 |work=The New York Times |date=4 May 2020}}</ref> Lewis resigned as CEO on 8 April 2020.<ref name= "ExitfromDowJonesNYT"/> In an official company statement News Corp Chief Executive ] said, "Will Lewis has overseen a remarkable period of growth and digital transformation at Dow Jones, making it the finest news and professional information business in the world."<ref name= "ExitfromDowJonesNYT"/> Lewis was quoted in the press coverage as saying that his departure from the company was amicable and that he was looking forward to spending more time with his family in London. He was replaced by ].<ref name="nyt-latour-ceo">{{cite news |last1=Padilla |first1=Mariel |title=Almar Latour Is Named Chief Executive of Dow Jones |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/04/business/media/dow-jones-almar-latour-wall-street-journal.html |access-date=15 July 2020 |work=The New York Times |date=4 May 2020 |archive-date=16 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200716002411/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/04/business/media/dow-jones-almar-latour-wall-street-journal.html |url-status=live }}</ref>


In May 2020 he appeared in a shortlist alongside three other candidates to become ] in succession to ].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2020/may/15/bbc-shortlists-four-candidates-to-replace-tony-hall?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Copy_to_clipboard|title=BBC shortlists four candidates to replace Tony Hall|work=The Guardian|last=Sweney|first=Mark|date=15 May 2020|access-date=17 May 2020}}</ref> In May 2020 he appeared in a shortlist alongside three other candidates to become ] in succession to ].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2020/may/15/bbc-shortlists-four-candidates-to-replace-tony-hall?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Copy_to_clipboard|title=BBC shortlists four candidates to replace Tony Hall|work=The Guardian|last=Sweney|first=Mark|date=15 May 2020|access-date=17 May 2020}}</ref>
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==The News Movement== ==The News Movement==


In May 2021, it was reported that Lewis joined former BBC newsman ] in founding the News Movement,<ref>{{Cite news|date=5 May 2021|title=Ex-Dow Jones CEO Launches Startup to Tackle Misinformation|work=Bloomberg|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-05-05/former-dow-jones-ceo-launches-startup-to-tackle-misinformation|access-date=24 Oct 2021}}</ref> a digital news company aiming to counter misinformation. Ahmed will serve as its Editor-in-Chief. In May 2021, it was reported that Lewis joined former BBC newsman ] in founding The News Movement,<ref>{{Cite news|date=5 May 2021|title=Ex-Dow Jones CEO Launches Startup to Tackle Misinformation|work=Bloomberg|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-05-05/former-dow-jones-ceo-launches-startup-to-tackle-misinformation|access-date=24 Oct 2021|archive-date=27 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327000204/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-05-05/former-dow-jones-ceo-launches-startup-to-tackle-misinformation|url-status=live}}</ref> a digital news company aiming to counter misinformation. Ahmed will serve as its editor-in-chief.


==The Washington Post== ==''The Washington Post''==


On 5 November 2023 Lewis was named as the chief executive officer and publisher of ], replacing ].<ref name=“WAPO1” /> Lewis begins the job on January 2 2024. <ref name=“WAPO1”/> On 5 November 2023 Lewis was named chief executive officer and publisher of '']'', replacing ].<ref name="WAPO1" /> Lewis began the job on January 2, 2024.<ref name="WAPO1"/>

In April 2024, he announced a plan to reorganize the newsroom, splitting off a new division focused on reporting for social media and ]. He offered executive editor ] a role leading the new division, which she viewed as a demotion, helping prompt her resignation in June 2024.<ref name="Streisand Effect 1"/> He also clashed with Buzbee over the ''Post''{{'s}} publication of an article that reported on a judge's decision to let him be named as potentially involved in the News International phone hacking scandal. NPR reporter ] reported Lewis had previously tried to offer him an exclusive interview in exchange for suppressing the story.<ref name="Streisand Effect 2"/><ref>], '''', ], ], June 6, 2024</ref>


== Honours == == Honours ==


* Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws from ] July 2010<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bristol.ac.uk/graduation/honorary-degrees/hondeg10/lewis.html|title=William Lewis|first=University of|last=Bristol|website=www.bristol.ac.uk|access-date=30 January 2020|archive-date=30 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200130144735/http://www.bristol.ac.uk/graduation/honorary-degrees/hondeg10/lewis.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
* Journalist of the Year at the UK Press Awards, 2010
* Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws from ] July 2010<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bristol.ac.uk/graduation/honorary-degrees/hondeg10/lewis.html|title=William Lewis|first=University of|last=Bristol|website=www.bristol.ac.uk}}</ref> * Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters from the ] September 2010<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/alumnicommunity/honorarygraduates/|title=Honorary Graduates &#124; Alumni Community &#124; University of Lincoln|access-date=30 January 2020|archive-date=8 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200508023419/https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/alumnicommunity/honorarygraduates/|url-status=live}}</ref>
* Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters from the ] September 2010<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/alumnicommunity/honorarygraduates/|title = Honorary Graduates &#124; Alumni Community &#124; University of Lincoln}}</ref> * Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science from Cass Business School, 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.city.ac.uk/news-and-events/news|title=News &#124; City, University of London|date=23 January 2021|website=www.city.ac.uk|access-date=9 July 2021|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709182009/https://www.city.ac.uk/news-and-events/news|url-status=live}}</ref>
* He was appointed a ] on 9 June 2023 as part of the ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=9 June 2023 |title=Resignation Honours 2023 |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1162124/Resignation_Honours_2023.pdf |access-date=9 June 2023 |website=GOV.UK |archive-date=10 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230610005258/https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1162124/Resignation_Honours_2023.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{London Gazette|date=21 July 2023|issue=64120|page=14502|supp=y}}</ref>
* Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science from Cass Business School, 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.city.ac.uk/news-and-events/news|title=News &#124; City, University of London|date=23 January 2021|website=www.city.ac.uk}}</ref>
* He was appointed a ] on 9 June 2023 as part of the ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=9 June 2023 |title=Resignation Honours 2023 |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1162124/Resignation_Honours_2023.pdf |access-date=9 June 2023 |website=GOV.UK}}</ref><ref>{{London Gazette|date=21 July 2023|issue=64120|page=14502|supp=y}}</ref>


==References== ==References==
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{{s-ttl|title=Editor of '']''|years=2006–2009}} {{s-ttl|title=Editor of '']''|years=2006–2009}}
{{s-aft|after=]}} {{s-aft|after=]}}
{{s-end}} {{s-end}}{{s-start}}
{{s-media}}

{{succession box
{{2011 News Corporation scandal}}
| title = Publisher of '']''
| years = January 2, 2024 - Present
| before = ]
| after = Incumbent
}}{{Succession box
| title = CEO of "]"
| years = January 2, 2024 - Present
| before = ] (interim)
| after = Incumbent
}}
{{s-end}}{{2011 News Corporation scandal}}
{{Authority control}} {{Authority control}}


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Latest revision as of 20:31, 8 December 2024

British media executive (born 1969) For other people named William Lewis, see William Lewis (disambiguation).

SirWilliam Lewis
William Lewis in 2019William Lewis in 2019
Publisher and CEO of The Washington Post
Incumbent
Assumed office
2 January 2024
Preceded byFred Ryan
Personal details
BornWilliam John Lewis
(1969-04-02) 2 April 1969 (age 55)
London, England
RelativesSimon Lewis (brother)
Education

Sir William John Lewis (born 2 April 1969) is a British media executive who serves as the publisher and chief executive officer of The Washington Post. He was formerly chief executive of Dow Jones & Company and publisher of The Wall Street Journal. Earlier in his career, he was known as a journalist and then editor.

While editor of The Daily Telegraph, Lewis led the team that broke the story of the MPs' expenses scandal, which led to the resignations of six government ministers and Speaker of the House of Commons Michael Martin, and to the creation of Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority.

From September 2010 to July 2011, Lewis worked as general manager of the newspaper publisher News International, playing a role in the company's response to the phone hacking crisis. In July 2011, following the closure of the News of the World, Lewis left News International to join the Management and Standards Committee, an independent division led by Lord Grabiner KC, created by the News Corp board to orchestrate cooperation with multiple law enforcement investigations into News International.

On 5 November 2023, Lewis was named as the new publisher and CEO of The Washington Post. During his tenure, he clashed with executive editor Sally Buzbee over his attempt to reorganize the newsroom structure and to kill coverage of his role in the phone hacking crisis.

Early life and career

William Lewis was born and raised in Hampstead Garden Suburb, North London, England. His father David Lewis M.B.E, worked as a Managing Director of a packaging company and his mother Sally was a teacher. Lewis's primary education was at Brookland Junior school in Hampstead Garden Suburb. His secondary education was at Whitefield school, a comprehensive school in the London Borough of Barnet. After achieving his A levels, Lewis studied for a BSc in politics and economics at Bristol University, where he wrote for the student newspaper, Epigram, and captained the University 1st football team. Following university Lewis completed a postgraduate diploma in Periodical Journalism at City University.

In 1991, Lewis was hired as a finance reporter by The Mail on Sunday. In 1994 he left the tabloid to take a job in the Financial Times' investigative unit. He later became fund management correspondent and then mergers and acquisitions correspondent. In 1999, while posted at the New York office he broke the story of the ExxonMobil merger, the biggest industrial merger in US corporate history. The scoop surprised the US business media and helped establish the Financial Times in the US. Following this Lewis was promoted to Global News Editor. He was then poached to become business editor at the Sunday Times, where he remained for three years, from 2002 to 2005.

Telegraph Media Group

Lewis joined the Telegraph Media Group as city editor in August 2005 and was made deputy editor of The Telegraph while he was still working out his notice from The Sunday Times. In October 2006 he became The Daily Telegraph's youngest ever editor. On joining The Telegraph, Lewis described the newspaper as a "shambles", with "no innovation, no culture of improvement, no understanding of the need to perform, of needing to work with your colleagues rather than be at war with them."

As editor he took control of the newspaper during period of tumultuous change thanks to the decline in print sales and display advertising revenue. Lewis designed the layout of the Telegraph's new Victoria newsroom and saw through the modernisation program which involved senior staff cuts. The move was initially felt to be in conflict with the newspaper's brand and ageing readership.

In 2007 he was made editor-in-chief of TMG.

During his time as editor, he also attempted a broader debate at The Telegraph about the environment. While the newspapers and website continued to house global warming deniers such as Christopher Booker and James Delingpole, he also recruited Geoffrey Lean, the environmental commentator to write a weekly column and lead the Telegraph's global warming coverage.

Role in the parliamentary expenses scandal

Lewis's involvement in the scandal began when he was told by colleagues that they had been approached by an intermediary on behalf of a source who said that they had four years' worth of MPs' data copied onto a disk. After establishing that the paper would not be breaking the law by accepting the disc, and that the story was in the public interest, Lewis approved negotiation with the intermediary.

In 2012, Lewis told the Leveson Inquiry: "the reason had come to the Telegraph was he wanted to ensure fair and balanced coverage. He wanted to be certain that the Labour MPs and the Conservative MPs all had their chance to have their day in the sun, as it were." The intermediary, a former SAS officer John Wick, had already offered the story to a number of other newspapers, all of whom had been reluctant to take the risk of publishing, or meet the price set by Wick.

Once Lewis's team concluded negotiations with the source, the Telegraph team had only ten days to investigate the data on the disk which meant wading through more than a million documents. Once Lewis saw the information on the disc he realised that he had to run the story. Lewis told Lord Leveson: "I became very aware that it was my responsibility to bring this to the public domain. It was no longer going to be a choice for me as editor."

Lewis stressed to his colleagues that he wanted the Telegraph to be seen as fair and balanced in their approach. They concluded that they should start with the government and then move into the opposition as it was then, the Conservative Party.

The next stage involved the team writing to each MP to put them on notice that a story was being written, and then to wait for the replies. The first MP to revert to the Telegraph team was Secretary of State for Justice Jack Straw. Straw replied, confirming the information in the letter and explaining his expenses. Lewis told the Leveson enquiry: "Only then did I feel able to give the green light to publication that evening." He added, "I remain hugely proud of -- given the intensity with which the MPs' expenses team had to work, the incredible pressure they worked under, continual threat of trying to be stopped what they were doing, I think this record is one we should be proud of." He added: "I was also aware that this story was laced with risk all round, as the best and most important journalism tends to be."

Aftermath of parliamentary expenses scandal

The publication of the story led to the resignation of the Speaker of the House of Commons, Michael Martin, a further six government ministers and the creation of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority. A police investigation into the leak was called off in May 2009. A statement issued by Scotland Yard said that although the unauthorised disclosure of information appeared to "breach public duty", much of the information was in the process of being prepared for release under the Freedom of Information Act.

In 2009, Lewis spoke publicly for the first time about the scandal in a BBC Radio 4 Interview with the BBC Political Editor Nick Robinson. In the interview Lewis responded to claims by that his newspaper's coverage had irreparably damaged parliament and democracy as "Absolute, complete rubbish." In the interview Lewis claimed: "It is going to open up parliament to a whole new generation of people who understand what it means to be a representative of British citizens," he said. He described the removal of criminal MPs from Parliament as "undeniably a good thing for the United Kingdom."

In a 2017 in an interview with the Evening Standard, Lewis said: "I think MPs' expenses began that disgust with the political class. Brexit has to be seen within that context. If the House of Lords is our main defence against stupidity, that doesn't make me very happy."

In 2019, Lewis appeared on BBC documentary marking the 10th anniversary of the scandal. Lewis talked about establishment hostility towards the Telegraph newsroom and mentioned a brief meeting with HM Queen wherein she indicated her support and sympathy for the story. Lewis has never disclosed the details of the conversation.

In a 2019 New Statesman article Lewis wrote that the scandal was a missed opportunity: "The chance to make radical reforms to our political institutions and how they operate was, however, glaringly (and deliberately) overlooked…. Perhaps the fallout from Brexit will trigger the root-and-branch reform we need before these challenges can ever hope to be met with the sort of honesty, energy and imagination they demand. Optimistic, perhaps, but real change could be achieved if politicians from across the spectrum – or people from around Britain who have not previously been involved in politics – begin to share a proper understanding of where the national interest lies and where it will lie in the very near future."

Departure from the Telegraph Group

In the summer of 2009, Lewis took a two-month sabbatical from TMG to attend the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School – a compressed version of the college's famed Masters in Business Administration. Towards the end of this period Lewis was joined by TMG chief executive Murdoch MacLennan who stayed to hammer out Lewis's future at TMG.

In November 2009, Lewis returned to the UK, and founded Euston Partners, a digital development division based in Euston, London, staffed by a team of Telegraph employees. The aim of the division was to find a way for newspapers to make money from the emerging App economy. In January 2010 Lewis took the title of Managing Director Digital, while retaining his position of group editor in chief. Shortly after this he gave up the daily running of Sunday and Daily Telegraph. He was succeeded in the editor's chair by Tony Gallagher in late 2009, but remained editor-in-chief.

At the 2010 British Press Awards, The Telegraph was named the "National Newspaper of the Year" for its coverage of the MPs' expenses scandal (named "Scoop of the Year"), with Lewis winning "Journalist of the Year" for his role.

Accepting his award Lewis said: "If there was ever a story that proved that news still sells newspapers I suspect this was it."

Despite this success, all was not well within TMG. Lewis wanted to create a standalone business with a "start-up mentality" from the digital unit, whereas MacLennan wanted the Euston-based project to remain within his control at TMG. Unable to come to an agreement with MacLennan, Lewis departed on May 5, 2010, just six months. The split was described in the press as "amicable" but that Maclennan had been "impatient to see results". TMG said they would continue to maintain the digital division.

News International

In September 2010 Lewis was hired by News International as group general manager. A key part of this new role was to modernise the company and create streamlined digital newsrooms as he had done at TMG.

Almost immediately on joining, an article in The New York Times caused the ongoing issue of illegal phone message interception by the News of the World to flare up. Towards the end of 2010, Lewis was informed that the company was facing a large number of civil actions relating to phone hacking. On 10 January, Lewis sent out a formal instruction to the IT staff at News International that all evidence relevant to various civil and criminal actions was to be retained on News International's email servers.

Lewis remained as general manager as the crisis grew. In the aftermath of revelations by The Guardian that News Of the World reporters had deleted voicemails of the murdered school girl, Milly Dowler, the News of the World was closed.

He stepped down as group general manager in July 2011 to take a role as an executive member of the Management and Standards Committee, an independent division of News Corp mandated by the board to cooperate fully with all authorities investigating wrongdoing at News International.

In July 2024 former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown announced London police are looking into claims Lewis was involved in a 2011 mass cover-up of phone hacking by British tabloids.

Management and Standards Committee

The formal establishment of the Management and Standards Committee was confirmed on July 18, 2011. The MSC was chaired by Lord Grabiner QC, a senior commercial lawyer, taking legal advice from the law firm Linklaters. The MSC reported directly to News Corp board members Joel Klein and Viet Dinh. Both Dinh and Klein were former US Assistant Attorney Generals. Lewis, was named in the press release as a "full time executive member. He was joined in the role by Simon Greenberg.

The Terms of Reference were published on 21 July 2011. "The MSC was authorised to cooperate fully with all relevant investigations and inquiries in the News of the World phone hacking case, police payments and all other related issues across News International, as well as conducting its own enquiries where appropriate."

The MSC included 100 legal staff from Linklaters, as well as forensic advisers from PricewaterhouseCoopers. Their role was to review all law enforcement requests for evidence and comply if those requests were relevant to the various ongoing investigations.

Metropolitan Police Service investigations Operation Weeting (phone hacking) and Operation Elveden (corruption of public officials) resulted in a string of arrests of News International journalists from October 2011 to Mid 2012, prompting complaints from Sun staff that the paper was subject to a "witch hunt." Though no Sun journalists were successfully convicted by Operation Elveden, News of the World feature writer Dan Evans received a 10-month suspended sentence. Operation Weeting successfully convicted News of the World journalists Neville Thurlbeck and Greg Miskiw who were both sentenced to six months in prison. Former News of the World editor Andy Coulson received an 18-month sentence.

As of 20 July 2012, Lewis began the process of departing the MSC.

Vince Cable leak allegation

In December 2010, Daily Telegraph reporters secretly recorded the UK Business Secretary Vince Cable making a number of unguarded remarks about the UK government and also his view that "we have declared war on Murdoch". The Telegraph reported the remarks about government, but did not publish his views on Murdoch. These views were controversial, because Cable was overseeing in a sub-judicial role the bid by Murdoch's News Corporation for all of BSkyB. The remarks about Murdoch were leaked to the BBC's Business Editor, Robert Peston. He broadcast them, to the consternation of The Telegraph and of Cable who was forced to step aside from his oversight of the BSkyB bid.

Despite the fact that the subject of the transcript was clearly in the public interest, Telegraph management hired the detective agency Kroll to find the source of the leak.

In July 2011, Reuters reported that the corporate investigations firm Kroll had "strong reasons" to suspect that Lewis had been involved in the leak to Peston. The leaks took place three months after Lewis left the Telegraph. They were seen to be of commercial benefit to News Corporation, the parent company of News International, in relation to the News Corporation takeover bid for BSkyB. Kroll interviewed several Telegraph journalists, and examined their email and phone records, but was unable to determine which disgruntled journalists decided to blow the whistle on the Telegraph's decision not to publish the Cable comments on Murdoch.

Reuters also reported that Kroll had identified that TMG's information security systems were porous and too many people had access to the relevant systems for the leaker to be pinpointed. Kroll advised The Telegraph that because of the number of people who had access to databanks (which included employees for telecoms giant BT) a continued investigation would be unlikely to produce a conclusive result. Kroll did not interview Lewis in the course of the investigation. Kroll's own admission the evidence they had gathered was circumstantial and pointed to 15 separate people at The Telegraph had access to the Cable audio file.

Despite the inconclusive nature of the investigation, Telegraph editors flew out to America to brief The New York Times, a commercial rival of News Corp. On 22 July, a piece ran in The New York Times titled: "Suspicions About Former Editor in Battle Over Story Complicate hacking Scandal". The piece, carried the allegation, without evidence, that Lewis was behind the leak.

Lewis responded to The New York Times: "This is a clear attempt to undermine the strong working relationship between News Corp.'s Management and Standards Committee and the Metropolitan Police Service. Nothing will prevent us from continuing to cooperate fully with Operation Weeting."

Dow Jones and The Wall Street Journal

Lewis was appointed interim CEO of Dow Jones and Company on 21 January 2014.

On 9 May 2014 Lewis was confirmed as CEO of Dow Jones and Company, and publisher of The Wall Street Journal, following the departure of previous CEO Lex Fenwick in 2014. Lewis had responsibility for the publication of the Wall Street Journal, America's largest newspaper by paid circulation; Factiva, the business information and research tool; Barron's, the weekly magazine and Dow Jones Financial News and Newswires. He has focused on modernising the Wall Street Journal newsroom, and developing the technology and data businesses.

Since 2014 the company has experienced growth in readership and revenues, most recently Dow Jones reported 6% growth in 2019 News Corp results. Dow Jones Risk & Compliance data business reported 22% revenue growth in the third quarter of fiscal 2019. During his tenure, the WSJ won a Pulitzer Prize for uncovering President Trump's relationship with Michael Cohen and payoffs to the adult movie actress, Stormy Daniels.

In an interview with The New York Times he commented on his leadership approach: "I think that the chief executive or leader should often be the agitator in chief as well... You constantly think about the next iteration of the model and structure."

In 2017 the company announced a partnership with the UK's National Theatre to support international engagement for the Theatre company.

Criticism of Google and Facebook

Lewis has regularly made the case for professional media and has criticised technology companies for contributing to the rise of fake news.

In a panel at the Cannes Lions in 2015 he said that: "the issue for us, and I think the broader industry, is do we run headless chicken-like towards offers from companies like Apple and Facebook to put our content in their walled gardens?. Or do we pause and think together about what the most appropriate way of dealing with these opportunities are and make sure that we don't repeat the mistakes of the past? Professionally created news is of incredible importance in society and has deep moral purpose".

In a 2016 interview with Ian Burrell of The Drum magazine, Lewis accused Facebook and Google of "killing news" commenting that he spent years "badgering away" at Google and Facebook, trying to persuade them to change their news distribution methods. "We kept warning them, saying 'This is an accident waiting to happen – you are treating fake news in the same way as you are treating Wall Street Journal news. This is going to end up biting you.' And so here it is, biting them!

In an interview with the Evening Standard in 2017 he commented: "Everyone can now see very clearly the grave problem with fake news. Google has played an incredibly destructive role. And when professional media disappears, bad things follow".

Lewis has since led negotiations with Apple and Facebook. In a newsroom meeting about the WSJ deal with Apple News plus Lewis said that the deal "will enable us to get our journalism in front of millions of people who may never have paid for our journalism before."

In October 2019, News Corp signed a deal with Facebook who agreed to pay a licensing fee to carry WSJ news on its platform.

Support for diversity

As part of a 2016 review into its hiring and compensation practices, Dow Jones retained an outside consultancy, Willis Towers Watson. Lewis vowed to address all pay disparities within the company. In an email to employees he wrote: "Any pay disparity relating to an employee's race or gender is troubling and inconsistent with the standards I strive to maintain at Dow Jones. We must, as a matter of urgency, address these issues head on." In a lecture to Cass Business School Lewis said: "Perhaps the most important role of being a good CEO is making sure you have the right people – with the most diverse backgrounds – in the most important jobs inside the company. I can tell you from personal experience that the more diverse a culture, the better the ideas and the increased likelihood of success."

China tensions

In February 2020 China threatened that it would expel three Wall Street Journal staff following an opinion piece published on February 3 titled "The Real Sick Man of Asia”. The piece was critical of the Chinese government's secretive and slow response to the Coronavirus crisis.

China's announcement that it would expel the three journalists followed one day after the Trump administration redesignated five major Chinese news organizations as government not journalistic entities.

On February 19, Lewis responded, stating that while he regretted the upset caused, "The need for quality, trusted news reporting from China is greater than ever; today’s decision to target our News department journalists greatly hinders that effort."

Following the expulsion threat, four dozen Wall Street Journal journalists based in China, under pressure from the Chinese authorities, wrote a letter to Lewis asking him to correct the headline and apologize to the Journal's readers as well as others who might be offended by it.

Geng Shuang, a spokesman for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, passed on a Chinese Government demand that the Wall Street Journal "recognize the seriousness of the error, openly and formally apologize, and investigate and punish those responsible, while retaining the need to take further measures against the newspaper.”

Lewis did not apologize.

Resignation from Dow Jones

Lewis resigned as CEO on 8 April 2020. In an official company statement News Corp Chief Executive Robert Thomson said, "Will Lewis has overseen a remarkable period of growth and digital transformation at Dow Jones, making it the finest news and professional information business in the world." Lewis was quoted in the press coverage as saying that his departure from the company was amicable and that he was looking forward to spending more time with his family in London. He was replaced by Almar Latour.

In May 2020 he appeared in a shortlist alongside three other candidates to become Director-General of the BBC in succession to Tony Hall, Baron Hall of Birkenhead.

The News Movement

In May 2021, it was reported that Lewis joined former BBC newsman Kamal Ahmed in founding The News Movement, a digital news company aiming to counter misinformation. Ahmed will serve as its editor-in-chief.

The Washington Post

On 5 November 2023 Lewis was named chief executive officer and publisher of The Washington Post, replacing Fred Ryan. Lewis began the job on January 2, 2024.

In April 2024, he announced a plan to reorganize the newsroom, splitting off a new division focused on reporting for social media and service journalism. He offered executive editor Sally Buzbee a role leading the new division, which she viewed as a demotion, helping prompt her resignation in June 2024. He also clashed with Buzbee over the Post's publication of an article that reported on a judge's decision to let him be named as potentially involved in the News International phone hacking scandal. NPR reporter David Folkenflik reported Lewis had previously tried to offer him an exclusive interview in exchange for suppressing the story.

Honours

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