The Washington Post is implementing significant changes as it continues to navigate the challenges of the digital media landscape. The latest move involves layoffs at Arc XP, the publisher’s stand-alone software unit.
A quarter of staffers from software unit
Approximately 54 full-time staffers at Arc XP will be affected by the job cuts, which come nearly a year after the Post announced voluntary buyouts to reduce its overall workforce. This decision is part of a broader effort to streamline the business and focus on key areas of growth.
Arc XP, which was originally developed as an in-house publishing tool, has expanded its services to include non-Post businesses, like Reuters, Gray Media, and Le Parisien. The unit has also worked with non-publishing clients like the Golden State Warriors and BP.
A broader restructuring effort
Despite its growth, Arc XP has faced financial challenges. The Post has explored the possibility of selling the unit but has not been able to find a suitable buyer. Instead, the company is now focusing on updating Arc XP’s software with artificial intelligence and analytics capabilities.
The layoffs at Arc XP are part of a broader restructuring effort aimed at returning to profitability. The publisher is working to address declining traffic and subscriptions. It lost $77 million in 2023 and had faced a digital audience decline of around 50% since 2020.
