Layoffs
The Washington Post started broad layoffs on Wednesday that will sharply reduce the size of its newsroom. Executive Editor Matt Murray informed staff of the decision during an internal call. He said the cuts affect nearly every department and are part of a major restructuring plan. Murray told employees that the paper has been operating with a structure built for an earlier time. He said that model no longer works in today’s media environment. According to him, the newsroom must change to survive and remain financially stable. The layoffs come just days after the paper reduced its coverage of the 2026 Winter Olympics, another sign of cost-cutting under financial pressure. One reporter, who spoke anonymously, described the situation as "bloodbath".
Desks affected
Affected desks include international, metro, editing, and sports. Murray said politics and government reporting will remain the largest newsroom focus. He also said the sports department will be closed in its current form. A number of well-known journalists are among those losing their jobs. They include Amazon beat reporter Caroline O’Donovan and Cairo Bureau Chief Claire Parker, along with other members of the Middle East reporting team. Their exits were confirmed through public social media posts. In a statement, The Washington Post said it is taking hard but necessary steps to secure its future. The paper said the restructuring is meant to focus on journalism that attracts readers and sets the publication apart.
Financial losses
The Washington Post has struggled for years to find a stable business model as digital platforms change how people consume news. Like many legacy outlets, it has faced falling ad revenue and slower subscription growth. In 2023, the company offered voluntary separation packages after reporting losses of about $100 million. Last year, it announced job cuts in business teams but said the newsroom would not be affected at the time.
About Post
The paper is owned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, who bought it in 2013. At the time, he promised to protect its journalistic values while allowing gradual change. The Washington Post Guild criticized the layoffs and questioned whether Bezos is still committed to the paper’s mission. Members of the White House reporting team also raised concerns. They warned that deep cuts could weaken coverage and reduce collaboration across desks. Press groups said the layoffs are a serious blow to journalism and reflect wider problems in the news industry.
