The Press Box More on the Washington Post Bloodbath, Don Lemon’s Arrest, and the ESPN-NFL Deal
Feb 6, 2026
They unpack massive layoffs at a major national paper and what shrinking newsrooms mean for local reporting. They outline the newly approved ESPN-NFL deal and the ethical questions around league ownership. They recount a high-profile arrest during a church protest and discuss whether press freedom is at risk. They touch on Epstein-related emails and a rising influencer-politician controversy.
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Leadership Failure Undermines Trust
- Leadership at the Post—Matt Murray and Will Lewis—are criticized for failing to show accountability and empathy during the cuts.
- Hosts argue poor leadership decisions erode trust and make the Post a less desirable employer.
How To Protest Without Hurting Staff
- Don’t immediately cancel your Post subscription; cancellations hurt remaining staff more than owners.
- Consider donating to laid-off reporters' GoFundMe instead of stopping support for the newsroom entirely.
Name Doesn't Equal Past Glory
- A newspaper can be severely diminished yet still called by its original name until it stops publishing.
- The hosts emphasize that naming can keep hope alive for eventual rebuilding of quality journalism.