Key Takeaways:

• Bari Weiss resigned from The New York Times in July 2020.
• She claimed Twitter had become more powerful than the newsroom itself.
• Her resignation sparked debate about free speech in journalism.
• Weiss criticized the paper’s culture for suppressing different views.
• The story reflects how social media can influence traditional media.

How Twitter Changed The New York Times

In July 2020, Bari Weiss, a well-known opinion writer, left The New York Times, also called the “Grey Lady.” In her emotional resignation letter, she said something that made people stop and think. She wrote, “Twitter is not on the masthead of The New York Times. But Twitter has become its ultimate editor.”

That bold statement quickly spread online. Many started to wonder, “Is Twitter controlling the news we read?” It wasn’t just about one journalist quitting her job—it was about something much bigger: how Twitter and other social media platforms are changing how news is written, shared, and even controlled.

Let’s take a closer look at this powerful moment and what it means for journalism today.

Why Bari Weiss Left The New York Times

Bari Weiss joined The New York Times to offer new and different opinions in their opinion section. She didn’t always agree with everyone, and many of her views sparked intense debates. Some people saw her as a fresh voice. Others believed her opinions were too controversial or did not belong at the paper.

Over time, Weiss said that the newsroom culture became too harsh for anyone who didn’t share popular opinions. She claimed she faced bullying from colleagues and said the environment encouraged group-think instead of open debate. According to her, decisions on which stories to publish were being influenced more by Twitter trends than newspaper editors.

Feeling unable to do her job freely, she decided to resign.

Social Media’s Role in News Today

Let’s face it—social media is a major part of our lives. Platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok help us connect and keep us informed. But they also influence what we see, think, and believe.

In journalism, the keyword here is “Twitter.” It has become a powerful tool, not just for news sharing but also for shaping which stories become important. Reporters use Twitter to find trending topics, editors check it to see public reactions, and readers often trust tweets as much as headlines.

However, when a platform like Twitter becomes a newsroom guide, problems can arise. Weiss’s story highlights how Twitter might be affecting which opinions are heard and which are shut down.

Why This Matters for Free Speech

News should be about sharing all sides of a story, even if some opinions are unpopular. But when journalists feel scared to speak their minds, freedom in reporting is at risk.

Weiss said she was hired to bring in different views. But as time passed, she believed her opinions became too uncomfortable for her peers. Instead of open conversations, silence and fear grew inside newsrooms—as if Twitter followers were making the decisions instead of editors.

This goes beyond just one paper. If a major news outlet like The New York Times faces this issue, what does that mean for smaller outlets? Are we losing the ability to think freely and hear different voices?

The Bigger Picture of Media Culture

Weiss’s exit also raises questions about the current culture in media companies. Many workplaces now talk about values like inclusion, diversity, and social sensitivity. These are important goals. But, sometimes, they are used in a way that silences different points of view.

The debate is this: Can we create safe and respectful workplaces while still allowing room for tough, bold conversations? After all, journalism is supposed to challenge ideas, ask hard questions, and make people think.

If editors and writers are always worried about how Twitter will react, they might avoid writing certain stories. This could lead to a narrow, one-sided media landscape. And that’s not good for anyone.

Twitter’s Impact Beyond The Times

This influence is not limited to The New York Times. Other media outlets also respond quickly to what’s trending online. Writers and editors often base their choices on what will go viral, rather than what truly matters. That means Twitter is not just reacting to the news—it’s shaping it.

For example, a tweetstorm can suddenly make an old story newsworthy again. Or a heated debate can pressure editors to delete or change stories. In such cases, social media doesn’t just help spread news; it becomes deeply involved in making it.

This power gives Twitter and its users an outsized role in the news cycle, which affects everyone—even those who don’t use the platform regularly.

What Can Be Done About It?

So what’s the solution? First, we need to understand that Twitter is a tool—not an editor. Newsroom decisions should come from experienced journalists, not just tweets and likes.

Second, newsroom leaders must support their staff, including those with unpopular views. Healthy debate inside a newsroom makes the news better, not worse.

Finally, we as readers need to support journalism that values truth over trends. We should reward outlets that choose balance and depth instead of only chasing online attention.

What Bari Weiss Is Doing Now

Since quitting The New York Times, Weiss didn’t disappear. In fact, she’s been busier than ever. She launched her own media outlet and podcast, where she writes and speaks freely about the issues she finds important.

Her courage opened up conversations about bias, fear, and control in journalism. She has inspired other journalists to think about their own roles in today’s complex media world.

While not everyone agrees with her views, her story shows how important it is to protect independence in the press.

The Power Is Shifting

In the past, newspaper editors controlled what was published. Today, that power is shared—and sometimes taken—by people on social media. Platforms like Twitter can lift a story up or shut it down within hours.

This shift creates new challenges for journalists. They must now balance truth with trendiness, freedom with fear, and honesty with hashtags.

Whether you agree with Weiss or not, she helped shine a light on a growing issue: the question of who really controls the news we read.

Final Thoughts

Bari Weiss’s resignation turned a personal decision into a public debate. At the heart of it is Twitter—both tool and torment. Her story reminds us all to stay alert and ask hard questions. If we want journalism that serves the public, not just the trending topics, we must protect editorial independence at all costs.

FAQs

Why did Bari Weiss leave The New York Times?

She left because she felt bullied and silenced for her views. She believed Twitter was influencing editorial decisions more than editors themselves.

Is Twitter really shaping the news?

Yes, in many ways. Journalists and editors often base story choices on what’s trending. This can affect which stories get told and how.

What does this say about free speech in journalism?

It suggests that journalists may self-censor to avoid backlash. This limits diverse opinions and weakens public debate.

Should we trust news shaped by social media?

We should be careful. Social media is fast and emotional, but journalism needs time, balance, and research. News should come from facts, not just followers.