Almar Latour, CEO of Dow Jones, publisher of ‘The Wall Street Journal’: ‘We’re still pushing for press freedom’ – EL PAÍS English

Report on the Leadership of Almar Latour and Dow Jones’s Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Executive Summary

This report analyzes the leadership of Almar Latour, CEO of Dow Jones, and the strategic direction of The Wall Street Journal. It examines key challenges and initiatives under his tenure through the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The analysis highlights a significant commitment to SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) through the defense of press freedom and institutional integrity. Furthermore, the company’s strategy demonstrates alignment with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) via digital transformation, SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) through robust financial performance, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) in its global advocacy efforts.

SDG 16: Championing Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Dow Jones’s recent history under Almar Latour’s leadership is marked by significant events that directly pertain to the principles of SDG 16, particularly the targets focused on ensuring public access to information, protecting fundamental freedoms, and building effective, accountable institutions.

H3: Defending Press Freedom and Public Access to Information (Target 16.10)

The organization has faced direct challenges to the fundamental freedom of the press, responding with a consistent strategy of composure and legal defense. These instances serve as critical case studies in upholding journalistic principles.

• Legal Challenges: In response to a lawsuit from former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding a published letter, Dow Jones asserted its full confidence in the “rigor and accuracy” of its reporting, signaling a commitment to energetically defend its work against external pressures.
• Protection of Journalists: The 491-day imprisonment of journalist Evan Gershkovich by Russia represents a severe threat to journalists worldwide. The company initiated a highly visible global campaign for his release, consciously deciding to be “loud about it” to frame the issue as a universal threat to journalism. This campaign culminated in his liberation on August 1, 2024.

H3: Enhancing Institutional Accountability and Transparency (Target 16.6)

Internal challenges have been leveraged as opportunities to strengthen the institution’s operational integrity and transparency, aligning with the goal of creating more accountable systems.

1. Internal Reforms: Following a 2020 letter from over 280 editors concerning a “lack of fact-checking and transparency” in the opinion section, Latour’s leadership turned a critical moment into a turning point.
2. Implementation of Measures: New internal measures were implemented to create a clearer and more transparent differentiation between the news and opinion departments, thereby reinforcing the credibility and accountability of the institution’s core product.

SDG 9 & 8: Driving Innovation and Sustainable Economic Growth

Latour’s career is intertwined with the technological and economic evolution of Dow Jones, reflecting a focus on innovation and sustainable growth that aligns with SDG 9 and SDG 8.

H3: Industry Innovation and Digital Infrastructure (Target 9.C)

A proactive approach to technology has been central to the company’s strategy, from its early digital transition to navigating the current challenges of Artificial Intelligence.

• Digital Transformation: In 2007, Latour led the initial digital transformation to an online subscription model, a foundational innovation for the company’s current success.
• Addressing AI-Driven Misinformation: Latour acknowledges the threat of AI-generated fake content, citing examples of fraudulent articles mimicking The Wall Street Journal. The strategic response is to fortify the brand’s position as a source of reliable, authenticated information.
• “Authentic Intelligence”: The company is investing in a model where human journalists steer AI as a tool for data analysis and reporting. This approach fosters innovation by enhancing human capabilities rather than replacing them, aiming for a “renaissance” in journalism.

H3: Sustained Economic Growth and Decent Work (Target 8.2)

The company has demonstrated significant financial resilience and growth, underpinning its capacity to invest in quality journalism and its workforce.

• Financial Performance: Dow Jones recently achieved $575 million in quarterly revenue.
• Subscription Growth: The consumer products division has surpassed six million subscriptions, indicating strong market demand for its services.
• Diversified Revenue: Growth is supported by the professional information business, including an 11% increase in Risk & Compliance and a 10% increase in Dow Jones Energy.

SDG 17 & 4: Global Partnerships and Human Capital Development

Latour’s leadership philosophy and the company’s actions reflect a belief in collaborative effort and the continuous development of human potential, aligning with the spirit of SDG 17 and SDG 4.

H3: Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships for Justice (Target 17.17)

The campaign to free Evan Gershkovich serves as a powerful example of a public-private partnership to achieve a goal related to justice and human rights. The effort required close coordination with the U.S. government and mobilization of the global journalism community, demonstrating an effective partnership to protect fundamental freedoms.

H3: Promoting Lifelong Learning and Skills (Target 4.4)

Latour’s personal and professional journey underscores a commitment to learning and adaptation. His immigrant experience, which he describes as an “amazing learning school” in humility and communication, informs his leadership. He actively engages with new employees, encouraging them to provide fresh perspectives, thereby fostering a culture of continuous improvement and skill development within the organization.

Relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

1. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

   • The article extensively discusses threats to press freedom and the safety of journalists, which are central to SDG 16. The imprisonment of The Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich by Russia for covering the war is a primary example. The article states, “They are the issues that were published during the 491 days that journalist Evan Gershkovich was imprisoned by the Russians.” It also recalls the murder of journalist Daniel Pearl, who was “kidnapped in the early 2000s and lose his life at the hands of Islamic extremists.” These events highlight the dangers journalists face and the fight for justice. Furthermore, the discussion about the lawsuit from a former U.S. president and the internal measures to ensure “lack of fact-checking and transparency” are addressed relates to the goal of building effective, accountable, and transparent institutions.

2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

   • The article highlights the technological evolution of journalism and media companies. It mentions Almar Latour’s role in leading the Journal’s “first technology team and the paper’s digital transformation to an online subscription model.” The current challenges and opportunities presented by the “rapid rise of AI” are also a key theme. Latour discusses using AI as an “amazing tool” for journalism, referring to it as “authentic intelligence, where the human steers.” This focus on technological upgrading, digital infrastructure, and innovation within the media industry directly connects to SDG 9.

3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

   • The article touches upon the economic performance and business strategy of Dow Jones, which relates to sustainable economic growth. It provides specific financial data: “Dow Jones has achieved $575 million in quarterly revenue, driven by an increase in circulation revenue and growth in the professional information business, with an 11% increase in Risk & Compliance and 10% in Dow Jones Energy.” The growth in subscriptions to “more than four million” and later “exceeded six million” also indicates economic progress and productivity for the company.

Identified SDG Targets

1. Target 16.10: Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements.

   • This target is directly addressed through the article’s focus on the role of journalism in providing reliable information to the public and the severe risks involved. The campaign to free Evan Gershkovich was a conscious effort to “stand up for principles and push hard” for press freedom. The article notes, “It was not just Evan’s problem or The Wall Street Journal’s problem, this is something that’s happening to journalism around the world.” The internal reforms at the newspaper to “more clearly differentiate between news and opinion” also support the goal of ensuring public access to verified information.

2. Target 9.c: Significantly increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the Internet.

   • The article describes the Journal’s “digital transformation to an online subscription model” as a key strategy. This shift leverages information and communications technology (ICT) to disseminate news. The growth to “more than four million subscribers” and then exceeding “six million subscriptions” demonstrates increased access to information facilitated by this technological infrastructure. The discussion of AI’s role in changing the “information ecosystem” further underscores the importance of this target.

3. Target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation.

   • The article provides evidence of Dow Jones achieving higher economic productivity. The stated revenue of “$575 million” is attributed to “an increase in circulation revenue and growth in the professional information business, with an 11% increase in Risk & Compliance and 10% in Dow Jones Energy.” This points to successful diversification. The emphasis on digital transformation and the strategic use of AI as a tool for journalists (“authentic intelligence”) are clear examples of technological upgrading and innovation driving the business.

Implied or Mentioned Indicators

1. Indicator 16.10.1: Number of verified cases of killing, kidnapping, enforced disappearance, arbitrary detention and torture of journalists.

   • The article provides specific examples that fall under this indicator. It explicitly mentions the “imprisonment” and “arbitrary detention” of Evan Gershkovich for 491 days. It also references the historical case of Daniel Pearl, who was “kidnapped” and ultimately lost his life. These cases serve as direct measures of the dangers faced by journalists, which this indicator aims to track.

2. Proxy Indicator for Target 9.c: Growth in digital access to information.

   • While not a formal UN indicator, the article provides quantifiable data that can measure progress towards increasing access to information via technology. The growth in the consumer subscriber base from “more than four million” to exceeding “six million subscriptions” is a direct measure of how many people are accessing information through the company’s digital platform.

3. Proxy Indicator for Target 8.2: Financial and business growth metrics.

   • The article mentions several quantitative business metrics that serve as indicators of economic productivity and growth. These include “$575 million in quarterly revenue” and specific growth percentages in diversified business areas like “11% increase in Risk & Compliance and 10% in Dow Jones Energy.” These figures act as direct indicators of the company’s economic performance.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

Source: english.elpais.com