Washington Post cuts a third of its staff in a blow to a legendary news brand

"The Washington Post laid off one-third of its staff Wednesday, eliminating its sports section, several foreign bureaus and its books coverage in a widespread purge that represented a brutal blow to journalism and one of its most legendary brands. The Post's executive editor, Matt Murray, called the move painful but necessary to put the outlet on stronger footing and weather changes in technology and user habits. "We can't be everything to everyone," Murray said in a note to staff members."

"He outlined the changes in a company-wide online meeting, and staff members then began getting emails with one of two subject lines - telling them their role was or was not eliminated. Rumors of layoffs had circulated for weeks, ever since word leaked that sports reporters who had expected to travel to Italy for the Winter Olympics would not be going. But when official word came down, the size and scale of the cuts were shocking, affecting virtually every department in the newsroom."

The Washington Post laid off one-third of its staff, eliminating its sports section, several foreign bureaus and books coverage. Executive editor Matt Murray called the cuts painful but necessary to strengthen the outlet and adapt to technological and user changes, writing "We can't be everything to everyone." Management outlined changes in a company-wide meeting and then informed staff by email whether roles were eliminated. Rumors circulated after reporters lost expected Winter Olympics travel. The cuts affected virtually every newsroom department. Critics called the move devastating to journalism and a self-inflicted brand destruction. Bezos offered no immediate comment, and subscriber losses were blamed in part on decisions by Bezos, including pulling back an endorsement of Kamala Harris.

Read at ABC7 Los Angeles