Washington Post to Lay Off 4% of Workforce

The Washington Post is facing significant layoffs in its business division, affecting approximately 4% of its workforce, as it grapples with financial challenges and a talent exodus. This decision comes amidst declining subscriber numbers, exacerbated by owner Jeff Bezos's controversial decision to halt the paper's endorsement of Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election, resulting in over 250,000 subscription cancellations. The layoffs will not impact the newsroom, but the paper has already lost several high-profile journalists, including Josh Dawsey, who has moved to The Wall Street Journal, and others who joined The Atlantic. CEO Will Lewis, who has been in charge for just over a year, aims to reposition the paper for future sustainability, although morale remains low. The financial troubles were evident when the Post reported a $77 million loss in 2024, highlighting the broader challenges in the media industry. Bezos has defended his decision, arguing that it was meant to maintain the newspaper's perceived impartiality.