The Guardian Surpasses Washington Post in US Readership

The Guardian has successfully expanded its American readership, now outpacing The Washington Post, thanks to a voluntary contribution strategy that has garnered 700,000 supporters, with 500,000 being regular contributors. Over the past two years, reader revenue has surged by 35% annually, amounting to $57 million in US revenue last year. The Guardian US operates with a staff of 150 in its newsroom. This achievement stands in stark contrast to the decline of The Messenger and the challenges faced by Jeff Bezos with The Washington Post. Key elements of this success include a distinct progressive stance, independence through a trust structure, a focus on reader revenue without paywalls, and a global perspective. The Guardian launched its US operation in 2011 after an unsuccessful attempt in 2007, and brand recognition in the US is currently at 59%. Steve Sachs, managing director of Guardian US, noted that, alongside The New York Times, the Guardian has excelled globally in adapting its business model. Founded 205 years ago, the Guardian is owned by a trust created by editor C.P. Scott, which safeguards its editorial independence.