The Washington Post announces significant layoffs in its business divisions as it grapples with financial challenges and a shrinking audience.
The Washington Post revealed on Tuesday that it has begun laying off approximately 4% of its workforce, affecting fewer than 100 employees across business divisions such as advertising, marketing, and information technology. This decision comes as the newspaper faces mounting financial losses and a significant drop in digital readership.
In a statement shared with The New York Times, the publication emphasized its intent to adapt to the evolving media landscape. “The Washington Post is continuing its transformation to meet the needs of the industry, build a more sustainable future, and reach audiences where they are,” the statement read.
The layoffs do not extend to the newsroom, which had previously reduced staff through a voluntary buyout program two years ago, eliminating 240 positions.
Financial Challenges and Subscriber Losses
Washington Post Publisher Will Lewis disclosed last year that the paper incurred a $77 million loss in 2023 and experienced a notable decline in its digital audience since 2020. The situation worsened in October 2024 when the Post refrained from endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris in her presidential race against Donald Trump, prompting over 250,000 readers to cancel their subscriptions.
The backlash from the non-endorsement has fueled significant upheaval, with several high-profile resignations and staff departures. Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Ann Telnaes left in protest last week after the Post declined to publish her cartoon criticizing Jeff Bezos and other billionaires for their perceived alignment with President-elect Trump.
High-Profile Departures
The newspaper has also witnessed an exodus of prominent staff in recent months. Notable departures include correspondents Ashley Parker and Michael Scherer, who joined The Atlantic, and Matea Gold, a national editor who moved to The New York Times. National security reporter Shane Harris and opinion columnist Michele Norris also left, citing dissatisfaction with the Post’s decisions.
Star reporter Josh Dawsey is reportedly set to join The Wall Street Journal, according to Status. This departure follows several others, including Charles Lane, Tyler Pager, and Amanda Katz.
Future Outlook
As the Post navigates these challenges, it remains to be seen how the publication will rebuild its team and adapt to the shifting media environment. With growing competition and internal turbulence, the storied newspaper faces significant hurdles in retaining its reputation and audience in the digital age.
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