Liz Spayd

Georgetown University

[Liz Spayd @spaydl]

https://t.co/t82OhMx9P7

[Brian Stelter @brianstelter]

Read former Washington Post editor Marty Baron's full statement about today's cuts:

This ranks among the darkest days in the history of one of the world’s greatest news organizations. The Washington Post’s ambitions will be sharply diminished, its talented and brave staff will be further depleted, and the public will be denied the ground-level, fact-based reporting in our communities and around the world that is needed more than ever. Of course, there were acute business problems that had to be addressed. No one can deny that.

This is a period of head-spinning change in media consumption. The response to that is necessarily difficult and severely disruptive. Radical innovation is required.

The Post’s challenges, however, were made infinitely worse by ill-conceived decisions that came from the very top —from a gutless order to kill a presidential endorsement 11 days before the 2024 election to a remake of the editorial page that now stands out only for its moral infirmity. Loyal readers, livid as they saw owner Jeff Bezos betraying the values he was supposed to uphold, fled The Post. In truth, they were driven away, by the hundreds of thousands.

The owner, in a note to readers, wrote that he aimed to boost trust in The Post. The effect was something else entirely: Subscribers lost trust in his stewardship and, notwithstanding the newsroom’s stellar journalism, The Post overall. Similarly, many leading journalists at The Post lost confidence in Bezos, and jumped to other news organizations. They also, in effect, were driven away. Bezos’s sickening efforts to curry favor with President Trump have left an especially ugly stain of their own. This is a case study in near-instant, self-inflicted brand destruction.

Many superior journalists will remain at The Post, delivering important work. I expect they will continue to hold power to account, as they have done spectacularly well for decades. They deserve the support of all who believe in quality journalism.

I remain personally grateful for Jeff Bezos’s steadfast support and confidence during my eight-plus years as The Post’s executive editor. During that time, he came under brutal pressure from Trump. And yet he spoke forcefully and eloquently of a free press and The Post’s mission, demonstrating his commitment in concrete terms. He often declared that The Post’s success would be among the proudest achievements of his life. I wish I detected the same spirit today. There is no sign of it.

Like many others, I’d like to hear the owner and the publisher he appointed articulate a contemporary vision that offers the prospect of financial stability and growth, demonstrates imagination and creativity, honors the heritage of The Post, shows appreciation for its remarkable staff and signals a firm sense of purpose. It is years overdue.

[Liz Spayd @spaydl]

Evan's mom on the eerie joy of seeing her son through a glass cage: “He was so happy to see us. It was a relief for him, and a relief for us,”

[The Wall Street Journal @WSJ]

On Tuesday, a Russian court extended until at least Aug. 30 the pretrial detention of Evan Gershkovich, who the U.S. has deemed to be wrongfully held https://t.co/Zhe75eq1g6

[Sarah Rabil @srabil]

8 WEEKS of wrongful detention for @WSJ reporter Evan Gershkovich. Yesterday a Russian court extended his pretrial detention until at least Aug. 30. Join us in continuing to call for his release
#IStandWithEvan #FreeEvan #JournalismIsNotaCrime
For updates: https://t.co/ldseGU7odz

[Liz Spayd @spaydl]

With a heavy weight on his shoulders, Evan Gershkovich is standing tall https://t.co/lOubyTkkJt

[Jason Rezaian @jrezaian]

Thomas Jefferson, in his 1805 State of the Union Address, on the fate of American hostages said:
“In a government bottomed on the will of all, the life and liberty of every individual citizen become interesting to all.”
#BringThemHome #FreeEvan
https://t.co/oLxcMhjq67

[Emma Tucker @emmatuckerWSJ]

“It’s an American quality that we absorbed. Be optimistic. Believe in a happy ending. But I am not stupid”
Evan Gershkovich’s family speak of his arrest in Russia for the first time.

https://t.co/TmYPVDw4f4

[Liz Spayd @spaydl]

The release of WSJ reporter Evan Gershkovich could rest on the recently revived, and coldly transactional, universe of international prisoner exchanges https://t.co/pBwjas3QCL via @WSJ

[Liz Spayd @spaydl]

“Why don’t I hear anyone? Why don’t I see anyone?” Life inside Lefortovo, the prison holding the WSJ’s Evan Gershkovich, is engineered to make inmates feel abandoned. https://t.co/uzrO8SBn92 via @WSJ

[Christina Rexrode @chris_rexrode]

Last night, we as always asked our 4-year-old who she wanted to pray for, and she said, "Mommy's friend Evan." "Friend" isn't quite right, as I'm just a far-off co-worker, but the sentiment is spot on. Journalism is not a crime. #IStandWithEvan https://t.co/MaIU4wY3dC

[Liz Spayd @spaydl]

Evan is such a smart, wise and resourceful reporter - and a really decent guy. We worked side-by-side when I was public editor of the @NYT and we’ve stayed friends since. It’s time to bring him home. #IStandWithEvan.

[Michael Howard Saul @MichaelHwrdSaul]

Proud to see this image all over the WSJ newsroom this morning.

[Liz Spayd @spaydl]

Yep, this is the Evan I know. What a great video. #IStandWithEvan

[Ann M. Simmons @AMSimmons1]

Moscow bureau @WSJ reporter Evan Gershkovich is loved and respected by his colleagues for being what he is - a resourceful, talented and dedicated journalist, and simply a great guy. #IStandWithEvan https://t.co/fZCaRgnc03

[Liz Spayd @spaydl]

Great point. And so glad you are lending your critical voice to Evan's cause.

[Jason Rezaian @jrezaian]

When reporting on Evan's ordeal, avoid repeating the Russian narrative. The fact that he is a hostage is the story, not the supposed charges against him. Constantly humanize Evan.
Drop all our notions of competition and steel ourselves for a potentially long ordeal. #FreeEvan

[Committee to Protect Journalists @pressfreedom]

CPJ, media organizations, and partners write to @RusEmbUSA calling for release of US @WSJ journalist Evan Gershkovich

"As an urgent first step, Gershkovich should be granted immediate access to an attorney provided by his employer. We also demand confirmation of his well-being and that he be allowed communication with his family."

List of signatories: https://t.co/VK1UrdgAmB

#EvanGershkovich #Russia

[michael k spayd jr @mspayd]

Today is Gay #Pride day in NYC & elsewhere. Today, I am proud of my father, Michael K Spayd Sr. He lived in a time of repression & denial, but he helped push the edge of our consciousness on sexuality; he helped build the rainbow 🌈, as my sister @LizSpayd said. Thank you, papa.

[Liz Spayd @spaydl]

Pelosi, Trump and 'The Clap' re-interpreted. https://t.co/PyjOJ76CJy

[Liz Spayd @spaydl]

What do Ocasio-Cortez and Trump have in common? https://t.co/QCbBJqmwfq

[Liz Spayd @spaydl]

RBG back on the town https://t.co/PjgyP8Ssmf

[The Hill @thehill]

"Had they contacted my attorneys, I would've voluntarily turned myself in. I would've been able to wear a suit and tie for my mugshot. It would've looked a lot better."

Earlier this morning, Roger Stone spoke to reporters outside his home in Fort Lauderdale.