In 2023, Business Insider announced that it would revert back to its original name and focus on its core strengths in tech and markets coverage. This decision was made in response to the challenges faced by many digital news outlets heavily reliant on social media for distribution, including Facebook changing its algorithm away from news content. CEO Barbara Peng made the announcement, stating that the company would be returning to its roots and focusing on what had made it successful in the first place.
Rumors have been circulating about Carlson stepping down from his role at the outlet later in the year. Despite legal threats from Ackman regarding stories about his wife’s academic work, Axel Springer initially stood by Carlson. However, amid online backlash from Ackman and his supporters, CEO Mathias Döpfner reportedly considered firing Carlson.
An Axel Springer spokesperson praised Carlson for his leadership in transforming Business Insider into an award-winning newsroom that reaches millions of readers and viewers globally. They emphasized that the renewed focus on business news would heavily influence the selection of Carlson’s successor. The spokesperson expressed pride in the outlet’s renewed commitment to coverage of business, tech, and innovation, and voiced support for CEO Barbara Peng in leading the search for the next Editor in Chief. It should be noted that CEO Barbara Peng was the one who changed the outlet’s name back to Business Insider in 2023, not 2022 as previously reported.
