13 Comments
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Eugene Hunt's avatar

A sad day indeed. Thank you for breaking this story with more detail and perspective.

Sammy Roth's avatar

Appreciate your reading, Gene.

Dan OConnell's avatar

I subscribe to WAPO. Their comments sections were full of negativity with a lot of people stating they would drop their subscriptions due to the massive staff cut. WAPO is the second paper I read every day, right after the LA Times. I am suddenly contemplating a switch to the NY Times.

Jeff Bezos, who owns the Washington Post, funded the Melania mocumentary to the tune of $75 million but doesn't care to keep WAPO running properly...probably because of his attachment to Dear Leader. Bezos' net worth is said to be $250 billion. Breaking that into million-dollar chunks, it is 250,000 x $1 million. Does he really need Dear Leader that bad? I am mystified why this current group of billionaires gives so little to charity and social causes (climate!) while they keep their money to themselves. All while treating their employees poorly. OK, I am just ranting here. Better go. Thanks for what you do, Sammy.

Sammy Roth's avatar

Thanks, Dan. It's so tough, because I'm sure the Washington Post will still do a ton of great work. I love the remaining climate reporters, for instance. I plan to keep reading and supporting their work, personally, but realize that folks will come to their own decisions.

Jane van Dis's avatar

I put my money where my mouth is, and subscribe to climate substacks, support climate podcasts, subscribe and contribute to GRIST and Covering Climate Now, as well as the bigger media (Guardian, NYT, LA Times, WaPo). The reporting form WaPo on climate and plastics was outstanding.

Sammy Roth's avatar

Thank you, Jane! You rock!!

Paula B.'s avatar

Sammy, I don't know if this is in line with your intentions for yourself, but how about starting a Substack composed of all these great climate journalists?

Sammy Roth's avatar

Sounds wonderful, unfortunately not in a position to do it myself.

Christine Heinrichs's avatar

I’m still a WaPo subscriber, although some of the recent editorials have tested my tolerance, not only because I disagree with them, but also because they are poorly researched and written. https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2025/12/30/bernie-sanders-medicare-nhs-reparations/. I support the journalists still there, and look for those who lost their jobs to continue their work in other venues.

Sammy Roth's avatar

I appreciate this, Christine! I've stopped arguing with folks who chose to cancel subscriptions, because I get it, but ultimately I do hope as many people as keep going. Thank you.

Ben Hess's avatar

I was one of the 250,000 who ended my WaPo subscription due to Bezos's meddling in the editorial board's pending Harris endorsement. But like many, I was very torn, as the climate team and many others were doing great work. One more climate journalistic sources to consider ... the indomitable folks at Grist! Thanks for your perspective and insights here.

Sammy Roth's avatar

Good call about Grist! And yes, I understand the indecision...it's tough. Appreciate your reading as always.