Layoffs at The Washington Post Trigger Public Appeals from Foreign Correspondents
– As The Washington Post prepares for significant staff reductions, journalists at the publication, including those stationed abroad, have publicly voiced concerns and, in some cases, directly appealed to owner Jeff Bezos. The cuts, expected to impact multiple sections of the newsroom, have prompted a wave of posts on social media using the hashtag #SaveThePost.
Reports indicate the layoffs could affect more than 10 percent of the newsroom, with the foreign, metro, and sports desks particularly vulnerable. The planned restructuring, linked to mounting financial losses, has raised questions about the future of international reporting at the Jeff Bezos-owned publication.
Pranshu Verma, the New Delhi Bureau Chief for The Washington Post, took to X on , to directly address Bezos amidst reports of the impending cuts. Verma’s post, described as a “résumé, a loyalty affidavit, and an ideological confession rolled into one,” highlighted the bureau’s ability to conduct “accountability reporting without fear of government censure” in India. He emphasized that The Post is among the few outlets in India capable of such reporting.
Verma’s appeal wasn’t solely a plea for job security; it was a demonstration of the value the India bureau brings to the publication. According to Verma, since arriving in India in the early summer of 2025, it became clear that few outlets in the Indian media ecosystem could pursue accountability reporting without risking government repercussions.
The public appeals extend beyond the India bureau. Correspondents around the world have joined the campaign, expressing a desire to continue their work. “We in New Delhi want to keep doing our jobs,” Verma wrote in his post. The coordinated effort reflects a broader anxiety within the newsroom about the potential loss of experienced foreign correspondents and the impact on the paper’s global coverage.
Roughly 60 members of the international staff have reportedly written a letter to Bezos, arguing that scaling back overseas reporting would weaken both the newspaper and the public-interest journalism it produces. The letter, first reported by The New York Times, emphasized the value of the publication’s investment in international coverage and its impact on global conversations and policy.
The layoffs are expected to be implemented in early , though nothing is certain, according to reports. The situation at The Washington Post mirrors broader challenges facing the news industry, including financial pressures and a shrinking media landscape. Amazon, owned by Bezos, is also reportedly undergoing layoffs, with over 16,000 employees being cut in recent rounds.
On , Pranshu Verma shared a post on X stating, “Since August, we…” – the post was part of his appeal to Bezos. The Washington Post’s foreign correspondents have expressed alarm over impending staff reductions, which are expected to significantly impact international coverage.
The unfolding situation at The Washington Post highlights the power dynamics within legacy media, where journalists are increasingly compelled to demonstrate their value and loyalty in the face of economic uncertainty. The public appeals from foreign correspondents underscore the importance of independent, on-the-ground reporting in a complex and rapidly changing world.
