BREAKING: Will Lewis, the controversial CEO and publisher of The Washington Post, has officially stepped down, as announced on Saturday, October 14, 2023. This urgent development comes just days after the organization executed a dramatic round of layoffs, eliminating 30 percent of its staff, which equates to over 300 journalists.
In a statement, Lewis expressed his intent to ensure “the sustainable future of The Post,” but his decision has ignited outrage among current and former employees. The mass layoffs have led to severe backlash, with many voicing their frustrations regarding the drastic cuts to one of the world’s leading news organizations. Notably, former editor Marty Baron labeled this moment as one of the “darkest days” in the publication’s history.
Lewis, who was appointed by Jeff Bezos in early 2024 to revitalize the struggling newspaper, is being succeeded by Jeff D’Onofrio, the former chief financial officer. This transition marks a significant shift in leadership amid ongoing turmoil within the organization.
Katie Mettler, a former chair of the Washington Post Guild, shared her sentiments on social media, stating, “I’m glad Will Lewis has been fired. I wish it had happened before he fired all my friends.” This reflects the emotional turmoil and sense of betrayal felt by many within the newsroom.
The announcement of Lewis’s resignation and the recent layoffs highlight a critical moment for The Washington Post as it navigates through a challenging period. The implications of this leadership change, coupled with the staffing cuts, raise questions about the future direction of the publication and its ability to recover from financial losses and audience decline.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned for updates as the situation unfolds. As The Washington Post grapples with the fallout from these decisions, the industry watches closely to see how these changes will shape the landscape of journalism moving forward.