All super-wealthy people need a media outlet
Either to promote their own interests, tell a story how they want it told, protect themselves from extortion, threaten uncooperative politicians, or to become a member of the establishment and play ball with them.
$250 million is chump-change for Bezos, but he immediately becomes a player in Washington DC. He won’t expect to make money with the Compost - probably only hopes to keep losses to a minimum.
What happened to Buffet’s stake?
But super-wealthy people like the Koch brother need not apply as their not allowed to own any of the flagship media.