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Laurene Powell Jobs has emerged as a significant figure in the media landscape, stepping out from the influence of her late husband, Steve Jobs. Since inheriting a substantial fortune, Powell Jobs has made notable investments in various sectors, including her acquisition of The Atlantic, a publication with a rich history spanning 167 years, in 2017.
Currently, as the owner of The Atlantic, Powell Jobs plays a crucial yet understated role amidst the Signalgate scandal involving the magazine’s editor, Jeffrey Goldberg. Recently, Goldberg has gained considerable attention for exposing a serious breach in national security protocols when he was inadvertently included in a chat group with top officials discussing a potential military action against the Houthis. This incident has raised serious questions about the handling of sensitive information within government circles.
Goldberg is receiving deserved recognition for his swift and responsible approach to the situation. He exited the chat as soon as he realized its legitimacy and promptly published a report, including key details initially downplayed by officials. His commitment to journalistic integrity, despite facing attacks from former President Trump, has been nothing short of commendable.
While Goldberg’s actions are rightly celebrated, the contributions of Powell Jobs remain largely unsung. In an era where many billionaire media owners have succumbed to political pressures—Jeff Bezos of The Washington Post and Patrick Soon-Shiong of the Los Angeles Times being notable examples—Powell Jobs has maintained her support for Goldberg and the principles of quality journalism.
Unlike many members of her billionaire peers who have sought favor with the former administration, Powell Jobs has refrained from compromising editorial independence. She notably did not attend Trump’s inauguration and has not wavered from endorsing the magazine’s editorial direction, even when it endorsed Kamala Harris for the presidency.
In contrast, numerous high-profile media tycoons, including Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg, have publicly aligned themselves with Trump, often compromising the values of the publications they oversee. Similarly, entertainment industry figures have capitulated to Trump’s demands, evidenced by significant settlements to prevent legal disputes. For instance, Disney’s financial settlement involving George Stephanopoulos reflects how the entertainment sector has navigated pressures from political figures.
This context highlights the resilience demonstrated by billionaire women like Powell Jobs, Melinda Gates, and MacKenzie Scott. Instead of diminishing their legacies to placate powerful figures, these women uphold higher ethical standards and continue their philanthropic efforts aimed at social justice and progress. Gates, through Pivotal Ventures, focuses on empowering women and driving social advancement, while Scott has contributed over $19 billion to nonprofit organizations since 2019, prioritizing education and economic security.
Powell Jobs, with an estimated net worth of $15 billion, channels her influence through Emerson Collective, aiming to create social change via investments in media and innovative philanthropic strategies. In a statement to TheWrap regarding Powell Jobs, Goldberg emphasized her strengths, noting her courage and principled support of The Atlantic during challenging times. He expressed confidence in her stewardship and commitment to journalistic integrity.
Since Powell Jobs acquired The Atlantic, the publication has undergone a notable revival, emerging as a formidable competitor to The New Yorker. The magazine has successfully recruited talented journalists and has produced significant investigative pieces. In a testament to its resurgence, The Atlantic recently announced surpassing one million subscriptions and achieving profitability after navigating earlier financial difficulties.
Despite her low profile, Powell Jobs deserves recognition for her contributions and support of journalistic integrity. As America faces various challenges, figures like her are essential in preserving democratic values and ensuring accountability within the media.
Source
www.thewrap.com