In brief
Will Lewis, publisher of the Washington Post, has stepped down following the newspaper's recent announcement of layoffs impacting a third of its staff. His tenure faced challenges, including a failed reorganization and declining subscriber numbers. Jeff D’Onofrio will serve as acting publisher and CEO. The layoffs resulted in the shutdown of the Post's sports section and drastic cuts in coverage areas.
In a surprising turn of events, Will Lewis announced his resignation as the publisher of the Washington Post on Saturday, just three days after the newspaper revealed it would be laying off one-third of its workforce. In an email to staff members, Lewis indicated that “difficult decisions have been taken in order to ensure the sustainable future of The Post.” Notably, Lewis and owner Jeff Bezos did not attend the meeting where the layoffs were disclosed to employees.Jeff D’Onofrio, who joined the Post as chief financial officer last June, has been appointed as the acting publisher and CEO following Lewis's departure. Lewis, who previously held high-ranking positions at The Wall Street Journal, took over the Washington Post in January 2024. His time at the helm was tumultuous, characterized by significant layoffs and a problematic reorganization strategy that culminated in the exit of former editor Sally Buzbee.Under Lewis's leadership, the Post also experienced a sharp decrease in subscriber numbers after Bezos directed a withdrawal of anticipated support for Kamala Harris during the presidential campaign, leading to more conservative editorial shifts.This week's layoffs exceeded expectations, leading not only to the closure of the well-respected sports section but also to severe reductions in both foreign and local coverage, along with cuts to the photographic staff. The future direction of the Washington Post remains uncertain as it navigates these significant changes.
