Will Lewis, the publisher of the Washington Post, announced his resignation on Saturday, mere days following the announcement of significant layoffs that would see one-third of the newspaper's workforce let go. In an email to the staff, Lewis highlighted that “difficult decisions have been taken in order to ensure the sustainable future of The Post.”
Notably, both Lewis and Jeff Bezos, the paper's billionaire owner, were absent from a meeting during which these layoffs were communicated to the staff. Jeff D'Onofrio, previously the chief financial officer who joined the Post in June, has been appointed as the acting publisher and CEO.
Lewis, who took the reins at the Post in January 2024 after a prominent career at The Wall Street Journal, has faced numerous challenges during his short tenure, including layoffs and a failed restructuring plan that resulted in the exit of former editor Sally Buzbee.
Additionally, the Post's subscriber base has dwindled in recent times, particularly after a controversial decision to withdraw an anticipated endorsement for Kamala Harris during her presidential campaign, coupled with a shift towards a more conservative editorial stance.
The recent layoffs, which were more extensive than expected, have led to the closure of the paper's renowned sports section, severe cutbacks in both foreign and local reporting, and the dismissal of its photographic team.
Notably, both Lewis and Jeff Bezos, the paper's billionaire owner, were absent from a meeting during which these layoffs were communicated to the staff. Jeff D'Onofrio, previously the chief financial officer who joined the Post in June, has been appointed as the acting publisher and CEO.
Lewis, who took the reins at the Post in January 2024 after a prominent career at The Wall Street Journal, has faced numerous challenges during his short tenure, including layoffs and a failed restructuring plan that resulted in the exit of former editor Sally Buzbee.
Additionally, the Post's subscriber base has dwindled in recent times, particularly after a controversial decision to withdraw an anticipated endorsement for Kamala Harris during her presidential campaign, coupled with a shift towards a more conservative editorial stance.
The recent layoffs, which were more extensive than expected, have led to the closure of the paper's renowned sports section, severe cutbacks in both foreign and local reporting, and the dismissal of its photographic team.
