BuzzFeed shutters entire news division amid widespread layoffs: ‘Lasted much longer than it should have’

BuzzFeed News is reportedly shuttering its operation after BuzzFeed CEO Jonah Peretti admits in an email to staff that he “overinvested” in the organization.

In the email, which was shared with NBC News, Peretti explained that layoffs are happening across the board, but the news division is being hit the hardest.

“While layoffs are occurring across nearly every division, we’ve determined that the company can no longer continue to fund BuzzFeed News as a standalone organization,” he said, continuing on to reveal he “overinvest[ed] in BuzzFeed News “because I love their work and mission so much.”

However, it just wasn’t something that was going to make enough money to stay viable.

“This made me slow to accept that the big platforms wouldn’t provide the distribution or financial support required to support premium, free journalism purpose-built for social media.” Peretti did not “hold the company to higher standards for profitability” which would have created more breathing room during downturns common in the digital news sphere.

Twitter reactions were not as somber, however, with many celebrating the reported shutdown:

ADVERTISEMENT

DONATE TO BIZPAC REVIEW

Please help us! If you are fed up with letting radical big tech execs, phony fact-checkers, tyrannical liberals and a lying mainstream media have unprecedented power over your news please consider making a donation to BPR to help us fight them. Now is the time. Truth has never been more critical!

Success! Thank you for donating. Please share BPR content to help combat the lies.
Sierra Marlee

Comment

We have no tolerance for comments containing violence, racism, profanity, vulgarity, doxing, or discourteous behavior. Thank you for partnering with us to maintain fruitful conversation.

BPR INSIDER COMMENTS

Scroll down for non-member comments or join our insider conversations by becoming a member. We'd love to have you!

Latest Articles