Axios is set to eliminate 50 jobs in a round of layoffs announced this morning in an internal memo to employees.
In an email from CEO Jim VandeHei, the company says it is making the cuts to “get ahead of tectonic shifts in the media, technology, and reader needs/habits.
“This is a painful but necessary move to tighten our strategic focus and shift investment to our core growth areas,” VandeHei wrote. “I love Axios and the people who have built it. Those affected aren’t just Axions — they’re friends of you and me. Today is a sad day, and our full emphasis will be on handling a hard moment with grace, empathy, and honesty.”
VandeHei added “This decision is mine. It’s difficult to make, but exponentially more difficult for our departing colleagues. This isn’t a reflection on anyone’s work — it’s because of changes in the media business. If you’re understandably upset by the decision, please direct your frustration at me.”
The Axios CEO pointed to changes in the Facebook, X, and Google algorithms as primary reasons for why the company is forced to make cuts. Additionally, the utilization of artificial intelligence to summarize news has been a growing concern for the company.
“Today is a tough one. We’re grateful to these colleagues and all they’ve helped make possible,” VandeHei concluded.
After the internal memo was released publicly, staffers began revealing they were part of the cuts.
