Literary News: HuffPost Opinion Shuts Down

HuffPost Opinion Announces Shutdown, Layoffs

By The Editors

​In a surprising and devastating blow early this morning, the famed HuffPost Opinion section abruptly announced its shutdown and layoffs of all of its staff. 

In an already unpredictable and volatile environment for news media and similar outlets, the announcement spelled out further disaster for online news media sites. HuffPost's parent company Verizon made $4.6 billion in cuts across their media ventures(Verizon Communications Inc.). Though the section was a trailblazer for many unique and prominent voices, including Pulitzer Prize finalist Jason Cherkis ("Dying to be Free"), that did not stop great and talented staff from getting the phone call: 

It happened. I've been laid off.

— jasoncherkis (@jasoncherkis) January 24, 2019

The Editor-in-Chief Lydia Polegreen added her voice to the crowd of saddened journalists:
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​“It’s a tough day for HuffPost, and we’re losing some talented and beloved colleagues. We are deeply committed to quality journalism that reflects what matters most to our diverse audiences across the globe. HuffPost is aligning its talents and investments to areas that have high audience engagement, differentiation and are poised for growth at a time when our mission means more than ever.”

Some out-of-work journalists are now turning to Twitter to help them find a place that will respect their words the way they are meant to be heard: ​
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I spent the last few years reporting on two of the most pressing issues in public health — gun violence and the opioid crisis — and today @HuffPost eliminated its health team. If you're looking for a creative storyteller with deep sourcing, hire me: [email protected]

— Erin Schumaker (@erinlschumaker) January 24, 2019

​At Quail Bell, we hope these amazingly talented journalists find new wings and fly higher than before.