American news organisation The Washington Post has laid off nearly one-third of its workforce, resulting in job losses for more than 300 employees. Among those affected is Ishaan Tharoor, son of Congress MP Shashi Tharoor. As part of the restructuring, the newspaper has decided to completely shut down its sports section and book review section.
In addition, several foreign bureaus have been closed, and editorial changes have been made at the Delhi and West Asia bureaus.
Also Read | WATCH | Gas-filled balloons blast inside Mumbai lift, CCTV captures chilling moment
Ishaan Tharoor confirms layoff in social media post
Ishaan Tharoor addressed the development through a social media post, stating that he was laid off along with most of the international desk staff. Referring to his work since 2017, he wrote that he had helped readers understand global politics through the World View column.
Along with Tharoor, Delhi bureau chief Pranshu Verma, Cairo bureau chief Claire Parker, and journalist Lizzy Johnson, who reported during wartime conditions in Ukraine, have also lost their jobs. Due to the decision, several bureaus, including those in Jerusalem and Ukraine, are now facing near closure.
Senior journalists and editors among those affected
The layoffs have also impacted race and ethnicity reporter Emanuel Felton, technology columnist Geoff Fowler, and magazine editor Jacob Brogan. The scale of the restructuring has raised concerns across the journalism community.
Executive editor Matt Murray described the move as necessary, citing technological changes and evolving reader demands as the primary reasons behind the decision. However, former editor Martin Baron has strongly criticised the layoffs, stating that the move harms The Washington Post’s own brand image.
