The mass layoffs at the Washington Post feel worse than the ones made during 2020, especially after the ones at NBC News, CBS, and the WSJ. So many smart and experienced people will leave the industry forever.
A lot of people cannot just start a paid newsletter or become freelancers to sustain their careers. The sports, metro, and international desks did work that requires *team* resources, like legal checks, documents, access to archives, and long-term beat experience.
Feb 4, 2026 14:42They can be rebuilt in time, but not if we don't fund it.
Paying a single freelance on substack is a good thing to do, but it doesnt seem like it will rebuild what are losing.
We have to pay for it if we want it.
This is very true. I’m just wondering what laid off post journalists are supposed to do right now to buy groceries and pay rent. I will post any suggestions you have.
