Martin Baron

Journalist, Editor, Author; Miami Herald, Boston Globe, Washington Post

Martin Baron is a noted executive editor who led three major dailies, Miami Herald, Boston Globe, and Washington Post, through significant periods in their histories.

He recently retired from the Washington Post and published the bestselling memoir Collision of Power: Trump, Bezos and the Washington Post.⁺

Miami Herald

As the executive editor of the Miami Herald during the Elián González episode in 1999-2000, Baron led the paper's coverage of one of the most politically sensitive stories in Miami’s history.

The Elián González saga centered around a six-year-old Cuban boy who was found floating in the waters off Florida after his mother died trying to flee Cuba with him. Elián was taken in by relatives in Miami, but his father, still in Cuba, demanded his return. A high-stakes international custody and immigration fracas between Elián’s Miami relatives, backed by the anti-Castro exile community, and the Cuban government, supported by U.S. federal authorities under the Clinton administration.

Baron had to navigate the Miami Herald’s coverage in the midst of intense local emotions, especially given Miami’s large Cuban-American population, which overwhelmingly supported keeping Elián in the U.S. with his relatives. Baron emphasized the importance of fact-based reporting even as the story became a flashpoint for political and cultural divisions in Miami. He resisted any pressure to cater to the community's strong sentiments and focused on journalistic integrity.

Under Baron's leadership, the Herald reported not only on the local protests and the Cuban exile community's perspective but also on the legal battle and the federal government’s actions, including the dramatic raid by federal agents to seize Elián from his relatives' home and return him to Cuba. The story was covered from multiple angles, including Elián's life in Cuba and the political implications between the U.S. and Cuban governments.

Baron's handling of the coverage was a reflection of his editorial philosophy—maintain objectivity and fairness in the face of pressure. While this some Cuban-Americans who felt the Herald should have taken a more sympathetic stance toward their cause, Baron stood firm. His leadership during the Elián González episode solidified his reputation as a principled editor who prioritized factual, unbiased reporting.

Boston Globe

Martin Baron's leadership at the Boston Globe during the Spotlight investigation into the Catholic Church’s clergy sexual abuse scandal is one of the defining moments of his career. As editor of the Globe from 2001 to 2012, Baron showed bold editorial vision and a moral commitment to getting the story, resulting in one of the most significant investigative stories in modern journalism. The Spotlight investigation won the 2003 Pulitzer Prize for Public Service.

Washington Post

Under Baron’s leadership, and with the backing of owner Jeff Bezos, the newsroom of the Washington Post expanded and evolved, embracing digital innovation. Baron pushed reporters to uphold the highest journalistic standards while covering pivotal national events, including President Donald Trump’s frequent attacks on the press as “fake news” and the “enemy of the people.”

Under Baron’s leadership, the Post expanded its reach and influence, doubling its readership and increasing profits. His tenure is widely regarded as a period of resurgence for the Post, securing its place as one of the most respected news organizations in the world.