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Washington Post CEO Resigns After Massive Layoffs
Departure of Will Lewis signals deeper crisis in American newspaper industry
Published on Feb. 8, 2026
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The recent resignation of Washington Post CEO and Publisher Will Lewis, following massive layoffs impacting roughly a third of the newsroom, signals a deeper crisis within the American newspaper industry. The departure, announced February 8, 2026, comes just two years into Lewis's tenure and after a period marked by turmoil and declining readership.
Why it matters
The Washington Post, once a beacon of investigative journalism, has been grappling with financial difficulties for several years, exacerbated by a controversial decision to abstain from making a presidential endorsement in 2024. This move was perceived as an attempt to appease Donald Trump, resulting in the loss of an estimated 250,000 digital subscribers. The broader context is a challenging landscape for traditional media, facing competition from social media and the difficulty of monetizing online content effectively.
The details
The layoffs, including the complete dismantling of the Sports department, Books section, and significant cuts to International and Metro coverage, suggest a fundamental shift in strategy under new CEO Jeff D'Onofrio, the Post's chief financial officer. The core issue isn't simply poor business decisions, but a systemic challenge. The decline in print advertising revenue, coupled with the struggle to convert online readers into paying subscribers, has created a precarious situation for many newspapers.
- Will Lewis resigned as CEO and Publisher on February 8, 2026.
- The Washington Post experienced a significant drop in subscribers and $100 million in lost revenue in 2024.
The players
Will Lewis
The former CEO and Publisher of The Washington Post, who resigned in February 2026 after a two-year tenure marked by turmoil and declining readership.
Jeff Bezos
The billionaire owner of The Washington Post, who appointed Will Lewis in late 2023 with a mandate to turn the paper around.
Jeff D'Onofrio
The new CEO of The Washington Post, appointed after the resignation of Will Lewis. D'Onofrio previously served as the paper's chief financial officer.
What’s next
The new CEO, Jeff D'Onofrio, will focus on stabilizing the financial situation and implementing a sustainable business model for The Washington Post, which may involve further cost-cutting measures and a renewed focus on attracting and retaining digital subscribers.
The takeaway
The Washington Post's experience mirrors the broader challenges facing the newspaper industry, as traditional media grapples with the decline in print advertising revenue and the struggle to convert online readers into paying subscribers. The paper's ability to adapt to the changing media landscape will determine whether it can survive and continue to fulfill its role as a vital source of news and information.
