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Washington Post Cancels On-Site Coverage of 2026 Winter Olympics Two Weeks Before Opening

Editors cite a 2026 budget reprioritization following sustained losses, including recent buyouts.

Overview

  • The decision was delivered in an internal memo from managing editor Kimi Yoshino, who told staff the paper would not send a contingent to Milano Cortina.
  • The Post had already secured 14 credentials and approved major outlays such as flights, office space, and at least $80,000 in housing.
  • Several journalists had begun booking travel, and the move surprised staff given the short lead time before the Feb. 6 opening ceremony.
  • Management’s explanation focused on financial priorities for the year, with outside reporting pointing to expected layoffs that have not been detailed publicly.
  • Coverage plans mark a break from precedent, as the Post typically deployed sizable teams to the Games, including 26 journalists for Paris 2024, and the company declined to comment on the reversal.