Commentary: With news media in crisis, ‘Becoming Katharine Graham’ reminds us there is only one way forward

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The duo, George and Teddy Kunhardt, produced “Becoming Katharine Graham” with the same intention that typically drives documentary makers – to share a tale they believed was worth sharing with others.

In the 1970s, Katharine Graham, as both publisher of The Washington Post and CEO of The Washington Post Company, made history by becoming the first woman to lead a significant media organization. She played a pivotal role in elevating the newspaper’s status, first by publishing the Pentagon Papers, then by conducting the renowned Watergate scandal investigation.

However, as noted by the Kunhardts, her significant contributions to cultural landmarks have frequently been underestimated. For instance, Carl Bernstein, Bob Woodward, and Ben Bradlee are widely recognized names. Yet, in the iconic 1976 film “All the President’s Men,” Katharine Graham is neither portrayed nor directly mentioned. Instead, her presence is alluded to through the famous threat made by then-Attorney General John Mitchell: “Katharine Graham’s going to have a very rough time if that gets published.

With this film, they hoped to set the record straight.

In a time when journalism is grappling with both financial and existential struggles, watching “Becoming Katherine Graham” on Prime Video has been a powerful reminder of the pivotal role that strong leadership and ownership can play in any media outlet. As someone who deeply admires the resilience of journalism, I was inspired by this film’s portrayal of a woman who rose to the challenge during an era when newspapers were family-owned businesses that often thrived and even turned a profit. Even though Katherine Graham took over The Washington Post when it was largely propped up by its television stations, her story serves as a beacon of hope and perseverance for today’s journalists navigating uncertain times.

However, her tale underscores the fact that the courageous actions journalists undertake to uncover truth require the support of those who own the media platforms.

Last year’s presidential election unveiled conflicts between management and editorial teams at various media outlets, with The Washington Post being particularly affected. Alterations to the opinion section have sparked doubts about Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’ intentions as the current owner, leading some to say he doesn’t share the same values as Katharine Graham, a previous Post executive editor. In a recent critique of Bezos published in The Atlantic, former Post editor Martin Baron, who once admired him, stated: “Now we understand that Bezos is not like Katharine Graham.

On Sunday, when “Becoming Katharine Graham” debuted at the Kennedy Center, it was conspicuous that Jeff Bezos, CEO Will Lewis, and executive editor Matt Murray were not present. (Bezos attended the Oscars instead.)

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Reducing the size of the federal workforce on a massive scale could potentially jeopardize the scarce vacations that many Americans manage to take. This doesn’t seem like an efficient solution; it feels more like a lack of consideration for hardworking individuals who deserve time off.

Throughout her career, Graham, who passed away in 2001, encountered significant criticism and even direct threats, not only from outside but also within her organization. Members of her board were not on board with publishing parts of the Pentagon Papers. As retaliation for the Washington Post’s coverage of Watergate, then-President Nixon attempted to undermine the newspaper by withholding the licenses of its lucrative TV stations. During a fierce 1975 pressmen’s strike (depicted at the beginning of the movie), workers burned an effigy of Graham.

During her years growing up, it was typical for publishers and editors to mingle with presidents and their spouses. As a result, Graham cultivated numerous influential connections in Washington’s political circles, as well as having substantial business interests that could be impacted by government endorsements. However, she emphasizes in the film: “It’s possible to maintain friendships within the government, but always keep in mind that the newspaper takes priority.

A cri de coeur then, from beyond the grave.

In my perspective, “Becoming Katharine Graham” stands out among many biographical documentaries, as it is predominantly narrated by Katharine herself through interviews and speeches she delivered before her passing in 1991, along with excerpts from her memoir, “Personal History.” The film is supplemented with the standard blend of contemporary testimonials from people who knew her well and archival footage – even parts of the Nixon White House tapes that offer a chilling insight. However, it’s Katharine herself who takes us on her journey, recounting her story from her privileged upbringing – with her father, financier Eugene Meyer, serving as chairman of the Federal Reserve – to her retirement and the writing of the memoir that forms a significant part of the film.

She unexpectedly became a hero by her own account, having been a “doormat wife” who worked for a short period at The Post, which her father acquired at a bankruptcy auction in 1933. Later, she took on the roles of wife, mother, and social hostess gracefully. Delighted to see her husband, Phil Graham, appointed as publisher in 1946, she later transferred ownership of the company’s private stock to the couple, with Phil receiving 70% while she retained 30%.

Following Phil’s tragic suicide in 1963, the company (which encompassed three television stations, two radio stations, and Newsweek magazine) along with the Washington Post publisher position passed to Graham. Despite expectations that she might sell the company or give up her role as publisher, she chose to persevere. Being extremely introverted and often the sole woman in gatherings, she honed her skills by absorbing information for a full year before finding the strength to ask a question during an editorial board meeting.

However, she called upon it regardless, for she was fully conscious that, as she put it, “Many men may not prefer working under a female boss.

Bradlee, whom Graham brought over from Newsweek to manage their newsroom, thankfully wasn’t part of the group they were referring to. According to Don Graham, who took over as publisher and CEO (later selling the Post to Bezos), “She quickly understood who he was,” and Bradlee reciprocated by swiftly recognizing who she was. With Bradlee and Graham at the helm, a relatively small, local newsroom transformed into a significant and highly impactful force.

The beginning of the documentary focuses on the ingrained gender prejudices that Graham encountered throughout her life, many of which she unconsciously accepted. She had never imagined herself leading a company closely tied to her father’s and husband’s domains, nor was it expected of her by others. However, as the women’s movement gained momentum in the 20th century, she found herself at the helm of a media company. Despite not labeling herself as a feminist, she advocated for gender equality, often finding herself at odds with both the men in her vicinity and her own position. When female researchers at Newsweek filed a discrimination lawsuit in 1970, they informed Graham. Her reaction: “On which side am I supposed to stand?” (The women eventually won their case, securing the right for them to become writers, an important milestone for women journalists worldwide.)

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On December 16, 1999, if you were to open up a newspaper from Los Angeles Times, it’s challenging to envision the trials that history would put such papers through, including this one and countless others.

In a story that resonates deeply amidst ongoing debates about editorial content, Gloria Steinem recalls being summoned to speak at an editorial board meeting due to Graham’s wish for their support on the Equal Rights Amendment. He felt they weren’t providing such support, and since she couldn’t command them, she invited me instead.

A significant part of the movie focuses on Graham’s valor during the Nixon era. By deciding to release segments of the Pentagon Papers following a court order that halted the New York Times from doing so, she put herself at risk of criminal charges, losing the company’s TV stations, and even jeopardizing the entire business, which had recently gone public to secure funding. (Her courage is pivotal in Steven Spielberg’s 2017 film “The Post,” a portrayal that initially overlooked her in “All the President’s Men.”)

The following year, she persistently advocated for her newspaper’s investigation into the Watergate break-in, despite no other media outlets pursuing the story; for months, this reporting sparked doubts about the Post’s motives and Graham’s decision-making. Notoriously vindictive, Nixon won reelection, and his personal animosity towards Graham, whom he once referred to as a “miserable bitch,” fueled his attempts to shut down the Post. When he threatened to revoke the TV licenses of its stations, the company’s stock significantly declined.

Introducing Warren Buffett, the pioneering billionaire philanthropist in journalism, who acquired a substantial number of low-cost nonvoting stocks. As portrayed in the movie, Graham had no prior encounter with him and lacked knowledge about his character, expressing concerns that he might not be altruistic. Many suggested maintaining a distance from him. Contrary to advice, Graham journeyed to California to engage with Buffett (who, according to his daughter, hastily bought swimwear to enhance his California charm). The two developed a rapport (the swimwear had no role in this) and Buffett took on the role of Graham’s primary financial counselor as the newspaper’s finances grew precarious, and for years afterward.

During the course of their probe, intensifying threats and coercion from the Nixon Administration became more frequent. In response, Graham started taking the journalists’ research and notes home each evening for safekeeping. Later on, in a subsequent interview, Bernstein recalled receiving a call from the security guard at the paper’s entrance informing him of a subpoena requesting his notes. Bradlee was then informed, who subsequently phoned Graham. Upon returning, Bradlee told Bernstein, “They’re not your notes. Katharine claims they’re her notes, and if anyone is to face jail time for withholding their notes, it will be her.

According to Courtland Milloy, a former journalist at The Post, it takes courage, and the ability to endure challenges, as Kay Graham established a high standard by showing great courage.

The effort ultimately proved worthwhile; after a year of investigative work, the Watergate scandal – an aspect of Nixon’s re-election campaign that involved spying, sabotage, and illegal funding – was exposed. During the Watergate hearings, it was revealed that the White House had tape recordings. When parts of these tapes showed Nixon’s involvement in concealing the break-in, impeachment loomed. With minimal public or political backing, he became the first U.S. president to step down from office due to his actions.

Graham was unexpectedly hailed as the most influential woman in the nation, yet she clarified, “I didn’t derive any personal joy from this. We were gratified to see our journalism proven correct, but I don’t believe anyone viewed the president of the United States stepping down due to impeachment as a positive development for the country.

About a year down the line, Graham encountered another challenging situation. The employees of The Post newspaper launched a strike, damaging the printing equipment and organizing an extensive protest where one banner mockingly referred to her husband’s suicide: “Phil targeted the wrong Graham.

Graham prioritized ensuring the publication of the paper. Helicopters transported plates to the printing facilities of neighboring newspapers. When the union rejected management’s last proposal, she decided to hire non-union workers instead, partly because she found it difficult to contemplate rehiring those who had damaged the presses and set fire to the building, as her son explained.

According to Buffett, she deeply understood and felt for the families of the strikers. However, for Kay, the newspaper always held top priority; it was something she regarded as sacrosanct.

The picketing persisted and expanded to encompass the global debut of “All the President’s Men,” a film hailed as “the most eagerly anticipated picture since ‘Jaws.'”. Graham described the strike, which ultimately favored management, as the greatest challenge she encountered throughout her career. “In essence,” she stated, “the strike shattered my spirit.

The movie primarily focused on management’s perspective during the strike, which was one of Graham’s final significant challenges as a publisher. In 1979, Don assumed control, yet Graham remained CEO of The Washington Post Company until 1991. Following this period, she devoted her time to writing her memoir, which was published in 1997 and garnered a Pulitzer Prize the following year.

For several compelling reasons, you should consider watching “Becoming Katharine Graham.” As a woman, she was an inspiring pioneer, embodying an unusual blend of privilege, humility, elegance, and resilience. Despite facing immense personal hardships and inherent shyness, she bravely navigated the nation through tumultuous political and cultural upheaval.

But at this moment, there’s an even more important message.

In light of Nixon’s resignation, she emphasizes that the role of media in our constitutional democracy is critical and should involve critiquing the government. This should be done responsibly.

In simpler terms, numerous journalists and those who finance and supervise them often express similar sentiments. The film “Becoming Katharine Graham” offers a unique perspective as it showcases instances where an individual similar to Kay Graham consistently takes significant risks for her actions.

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2025-03-06 14:33