Barbara Peng, CEO of Business Insider, made the decision to revert the outlet’s name back to its original name in 2023, focusing once again on technology and market news. The publication had faced challenges when Facebook changed its algorithm to de-emphasize news content.
Peng announced this change in response to the difficulties faced by many digital news outlets that relied on social media for distribution. Despite legal threats from Ackman over BI’s investigative reporting, Axel Springer supported Carlson throughout the controversy.
An Axel Springer spokesperson praised Carlson for his leadership in building an award-winning newsroom with a global readership. The spokesperson emphasized the company’s renewed commitment to business news and its influence on the search for Carlson’s successor.
However, there were discussions within the company about potentially replacing Carlson during the online backlash from Ackman and his followers. The spokesperson acknowledged Peng’s role in refocusing Business Insider on its core strengths of business, technology, and innovation reporting. Correction: CEO Barbara Peng made the decision to change the outlet’s name back to Business Insider in 2023.
