WaPo lays off 20 staffers, shutters gaming section

The Washington Post is the latest company to let go of employees, laying off 20 staff members from different departments, a move that publisher Fred Ryan had warned of last month.

In addition, the Post pulled the plug on Launcher, the newspaper’s gaming vertical that launched in 2019.

“Sally Buzbee, executive editor of The Post, described the decision to cut the jobs as ‘difficult’ in a memo to employees and disclosed that the newspaper had identified 30 open roles that it will no longer fill,” reported CNN.

Buzbee said:

“While such changes are not easy, evolution is necessary for us to stay competitive, and the economic climate has guided our decision to act now. We believe these steps will ultimately help us to fulfill our mission to scrutinize power and empower readers.”

CNN obtained a note from the Guild which stated:

“But to be clear, we believe any job eliminations right now — at a time of continued growth and expansion — are unacceptable. To our colleagues impacted today, we are sorry, and we’re here for you. Today is a hard day for us all. We’re devastated for our colleagues and angered by the irresponsible and illogical decision making from The Post. But we’re not done fighting or standing up for each other.”

Buzbee added that impacted employees are being offered severance and are eligible to apply for other open roles.