Reclamation: D.C. newsrooms respond to Bezos butchering The Washington Post
The Washington Post cut hundreds of jobs on February 4, 2026, about one third of staff. Entire coverage areas were slashed including sports, books and staff photographers.
I grew up not far from D.C., so I’m not at all surprised to see its local newsrooms standing up for the city and their communities. In this roundup, you’ll see how several D.C. newsrooms communicated their values to their audiences.
Click through: Screenshots don’t really give you the whole experience, so there’s an archive link of each of the emails below the images where you can read the whole thing.
Quick disclosure: I donated to The 51st when they launched a couple years ago.
The 51st: D.C. deserves better than Bezos
Link: D.C. deserves better than Bezos
Comments:
- Love this subject line: D.C. deserves better than Bezos.
- This email doesn’t pull punches. It’s not timid. It’s putting forward a vision based on values: “But as billionaires destroy beloved institutions, it’s our job to build new ones.”
- I also like that this email shares that this idea is a “big swing.” Especially right now, I think people have a real hunger for taking those swings.
The 51st: Newsletter Topper
Link: The news doesn’t stop, and neither do we
Comments:
- The photos of The 51st staff showing up in solidarity for Post colleagues is powerful.
- Love that they point out how much money Jeff Bezos is willing to burn on corrupt projects to buy favoritism from the administration.
- Teasing the upcoming fundraiser is something more newsrooms should do. People are busy, and repetition works.
Washington City Paper: Help keep journalism alive in D.C.
Link: Help keep journalism alive in D.C.
Comments:
- My favorite part here is pointing out that WCP has published since 1981, making them the elder of this group.
- I wish it leaned more into the rich history of WCP, including it’s incredible list of alumni.
- Even though the email itself could use some punching up, the timing is spot-on and more impactful.
Washington City Paper: Post Apocalypse
Link: Post Apocalypse
Comments:
- This newsletter topper for City Paper’s District Line Daily newsletter hammers away at Jeff Bezos’ cut to the paper while also pointing out he’s avoiding any spotlight.
CityCast DC: Jeff Bezos Gutted the Washington Post. Now What?
Link: Bezos gutted WaPo, what’s next?
Comments:
- “We’re devastated.” Telling the truth, straight and to the point.
- Announcing news to “immediately and significantly expand” is joining the big swings mentioned by The 51st.
- Down the email a bit, City Cast talked with D.C. journalist Jack Shafer about the cuts. Honestly, I think you can do a lot better than Jack Shafer, but the idea is nice.
Shane O’Neill: Seriously? Tips for a terrible, no good, horrible, very bad day
Link: Seriously? Tips for a terrible, no good, horrible, very bad day
Comments:
This one caught me off guard at first, because I didn’t expect the Washington Post to tout their own layoffs. However, this is a beautiful email.
The image? Perfect. The round-up of all of Sean O’Neill’s now-former colleagues’ work is a touching piece of vulnerability and solidarity.
Mentioning Harlan County, USA? Now that’s saying it with your whole chest. A wonderful piece from the place I least expected it.
