Shashi Tharoor’s son Ishan loses job in the US, Washington Post lays him off; pain spills over on social media
Washington (The Uttam Hindu): Ishan Tharoor, son of Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, has been affected by what is being described as the largest round of layoffs in the history of the prestigious American newspaper The Washington Post. The newspaper has terminated a large number of employees, including senior journalist Ishan Tharoor. Ishan himself confirmed the development through an emotional post on social media.
The decision by The Washington Post has severely impacted its international coverage as well as its sports desk, triggering widespread discussion across the global media industry.
‘A bad day’: Ishan shares pain of empty newsroom
After losing his job, Ishan Tharoor expressed his grief on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). He shared a photograph of the nearly empty newsroom and described the day as “a bad day.” In his post, Ishan wrote that he had been laid off from The Washington Post, along with most of the international staff.
He said he was deeply saddened for his colleagues and editors who had been his friends and collaborators for nearly 12 years. Ishan added that it had been an honour to work with such an experienced international team at the newspaper.
Around 300 employees laid off, Delhi and Middle East bureaus shut
According to media reports, The Washington Post laid off around 300 employees in a single move on Wednesday. This is being considered one of the biggest layoffs in global media in recent times. The newspaper has completely shut down its sports section and discontinued coverage of books.
The most severe impact has been on foreign bureaus. Reports suggest that the New Delhi bureau chief, along with all correspondents and editors based in the Middle East, have been laid off. Senior journalists across Europe, Asia, and Latin America have also been affected by this decision.
Union targets Jeff Bezos, management defends decision
Following the massive layoffs, tensions have risen between employees and management. The Washington Post Guild termed the decision disastrous and strongly criticised newspaper owner Jeff Bezos. The union urged Bezos to continue investing in the paper’s journalistic mission.
On the other hand, The Washington Post management defended the move. Executive Editor Matt Murray described it as a difficult but necessary decision. Management stated that the layoffs are part of a restructuring process aimed at adapting the organisation to changing technology and evolving audience preferences.