Will Lewis, the chief executive and publisher of The Washington Post, has stepped down just days after the newspaper announced massive layoffs that cut about one-third of its workforce, signaling a period of intense turmoil for the iconic American publication.
The Washington Post announced on Saturday that Will Lewis was departing after two years at the helm, a tenure marked by financial struggles and controversial decisions. His exit follows the layoff of hundreds of employees earlier in the week, which dramatically scaled back the paper’s coverage of sports, international news, and local reporting. The cuts, described by former executive editor Marty Baron as among the darkest days in the Post’s history, have sparked widespread condemnation from journalists and subscribers alike.
Lewis’s leadership was defined by attempts to reverse annual losses that had reached tens of millions of dollars. However, his strategies, including promises of innovation, failed to stem the financial bleed, leading to the drastic workforce reduction. During the layoffs, Lewis was notably absent, with reports indicating he was attending a Super Bowl event in San Francisco, further eroding staff morale and trust in his leadership.
The layoffs targeted key departments, eliminating the entire sports desk, reducing the local news staff from over 40 to about a dozen, and decimating the international team. Among those affected were reporters in war zones, including the Ukraine bureau chief and Middle East staff, who received termination notices while on assignment. This has raised concerns about the Post’s ability to maintain its global journalism footprint.
Owner Jeff Bezos, who acquired the Post in 2013, has faced criticism for his handling of the crisis. Despite initial investments and promises of non-interference, Bezos has recently made editorial changes, such as killing a presidential endorsement and refocusing the opinion section on personal liberties and free markets, which led to mass subscriber cancellations. His statement following Lewis’s departure expressed confidence in the paper’s future but offered little solace to displaced employees.
In response to the layoffs, employees and supporters have organized protests outside the Post’s headquarters and set up GoFundMe campaigns to assist affected staff, particularly international hires facing visa and housing issues. One fundraiser has raised over $180,000, highlighting the community’s rallying support for the journalists.
With Lewis’s exit, Jeff D’Onofrio, the chief financial officer, has been appointed as acting publisher and CEO. The Post plans to refocus its coverage on U.S. politics, national security, health, and wellness, aiming for a newsroom of about 500 people. However, the reliance on local stringers for international coverage may compromise the depth and quality of reporting.
The upheaval at the Washington Post reflects broader challenges in the media industry, where digital transformation and economic pressures are forcing painful adjustments. The paper’s future now hinges on navigating these turbulent waters while upholding its journalistic mission, a task that will test the resolve of its new leadership and owner.
