Washington Post’s average daily print circulation drops 21.2%, states new report
The combined average daily print circulation at 25 of the largest audited newspapers in the US fell by 12.5% in the six months to the end of September 2025, according to new data from Alliance for Audited Media (AAM).
Figures supplied to Press Gazette show that only one title among the top 25 by combined print and digital circulations saw a rise in print circulation year on year.
The largest year-on-year decline was at The Washington Post, which saw its average daily print circulation down by 21.2% to 87,576 in the six months to 30 September 2025, from 111,171 a year earlier.
During this period, the paper saw “significant subscription cancellations”, alongside the Los Angeles Times, after its owners decided not to endorse a candidate in the presidential race.
The Los Angeles Times saw the second-biggest drop in average print circulation, down 19.8% to 63,492.
However, AAM has flagged that its circulation data does not include all digital newspaper subscriptions, and the non-profit organisation rolled out new digital reporting rules in February 2026.
The Los Angeles Times saw the second-biggest drop in average print circulation, down 19.8% to 63,492.
The period also saw The Washington Post cut around 4% of its workforce – fewer than 100 people – in early 2025 across its business division, as well as offering voluntary buyouts to an unknown number of staff in May.
This was followed by mass layoffs announced at the beginning of this year, with more than 300 out of about 800 journalists axed, according to The New York Times).
The Florida-based Villages Daily Sun was the only title to see a circulation increase, up 4.2% from 46,750 to 48,716.
Of note, Awful Announcing reports The Washington Post “appears to be back in the business of sports coverage.
“Less than two months ago, the hallowed newspaper axed its entire sports section in a sweeping round of layoffs that also touched the metro, books, and foreign desks. Just about the entire media industry ripped the Post and owner Jeff Bezos, who claimed he wanted the publication to continue growing amid the cuts.
“Yet with the MLB season opening this week, the paper quietly brought on a reporter to cover the Washington Nationals. More interestingly, the paper’s hire came from the rival Baltimore Banner, which made moves to hire D.C.-area sports in the aftermath of the WaPo cuts.
“The reporter is Danielle Allentuck, who announced her new home on Opening Day.”
CHART: Table: Press Gazette, Source: Alliance for Audited Media
