…Researched and contributed by Larry John.
After 12 years, BuzzFeed News, a digital news site that won a Pulitzer Prize and stirred controversy by publishing the infamous Steele dossier, will be closing.
The company’s co-founder and chief executive, Jonah Peretti, informed staff that the news site would be shut down and that 15% of employees would be laid off.
BuzzFeed News was created in 2011 as an offshoot of BuzzFeed, which is known for creating more lighthearted content like viral “listicles” about celebrities and popular culture.
Reasons for the closure
The decision to shut down BuzzFeed News comes amid financial struggles for the company.
BuzzFeed has reportedly been attempting to become profitable for several years, and the pandemic has only exacerbated its financial difficulties.
In his memo to staff, Peretti stated that BuzzFeed News had “built a credible and respected news organization, but it’s time to move on to a new chapter.”
Controversial yet pioneering history
BuzzFeed News has been both praised and criticised for its reporting.
It broke several significant stories, including coverage of the Trump-Russia scandal and the allegations against Harvey Weinstein.
However, the site also faced controversy when it published the Steele dossier, which contained unverified allegations about President Trump’s ties to Russia.
The decision to publish the dossier was widely criticised, and some accused BuzzFeed of spreading fake news.
The impact of BuzzFeed News
BuzzFeed News was one of the pioneers of digital news, and its closure marks the end of an era.
The site’s innovative approach to reporting and storytelling helped to shape the way that news is consumed online.
Its closure is a reminder of the challenges facing digital media companies and the need to find sustainable business models.
The loss of BuzzFeed News will undoubtedly leave a void in the media landscape, but it also presents an opportunity for new and innovative approaches to digital journalism.