We’re used to hearing about cartoonists getting fired, but it is exceedingly rare for one to quit on principle.
On Friday, Jan. 3, Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Ann Telnaes announced she was quitting The Washington Post in protest after editors killed a cartoon criticizing Jeff Bezos and other news media owners for kowtowing to Trump. Telnaes, who has been with the Post since 2008, stated her reasons in a substack post:
https://anntelnaes.substack.com/p/why-im-quitting-the-washington-post
“I have had editorial feedback and productive conversations—and some differences—about cartoons I have submitted for publication, but in all that time I’ve never had a cartoon killed because of who or what I chose to aim my pen at. Until now.
“The cartoon that was killed criticizes the billionaire tech and media chief executives who have been doing their best to curry favor with incoming President-elect Trump… including Washington Post owner Jeff Bezos.
“As an editorial cartoonist, my job is to hold powerful people and institutions accountable. For the first time, my editor prevented me from doing that critical job. So I have decided to leave the Post.”
The reaction to the news was swift as Telnaes’ post went viral. Even the New York Times (which astute readers know famously hates editorial cartoons), wrote about her resignation and ran Ann’s cartoon. Satirist Andy Borowitz dropped his snark for a second to show his support and share the spiked cartoon in solidarity.
Cartoonists were equally incensed. Steve Brodner suggested that fellow cartoonists “finish her draft” and post their own version of Telnaes’ rough. Outgoing AAEC President Jack Ohman said he thought this a good idea and would draw his take the same day, while incoming President Marc Murphy said a statement was forthcoming.
This is a developing story…
