Major Shakeup at WaPo

The Post feels the strain of declining subscriptions:

In a surprising memo to staffers today, Leonard Downie, Jr., executive editor, announced several general and specific shakeups "to maximize readership of the printed newspaper, build audience on the Web site and further reduce costs in the newsroom."

This includes a plan to "shrink" the newsroom. "tightening up the paper's news hole," cracking down on story length and moving reporters and editors "within and among staffs." The Post is now suffering from regular circulation declines.

Downie is doing his best to put lipstick on this pig, but it's obviously a major attempt to cut down on costs.

Newspapers are fast becoming obsolete; I hope The Post takes the smart route and uses this opportunity not to dumb down its content but make it a leaner, sharper source of news and analysis.



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