This was not an easy email to write

Friend, apparently I sent this email too soon. After I wrote the email below, more news outlets—[Forbes, Business Insider, and likely New York Daily News](—announced more layoffs. [I really hope that Daily Kos doesn't join this growing list of news outlets that have had to lay off staff in 2024. Support Daily Kos with a donation of $5 or more right now.]( [DONATE]( Just as the elections ramp up and voters prepare to make their choices in this consequential election year, news organizations have already been weakened by mass layoffs and closures. Daily Kos is the country's largest progressive news and activism hub. Not only do we inform our readers about the elections and shine light on disinformation, but we directly provide the tools to our readers to take immediate and effective action—no other organization does that. Now more than ever before, the work that Daily Kos does is essential to the health of our democracy. However, we have not been able to escape the financial hardships that have plagued other news organizations. Just last year, we were forced to make [deep budget cuts]( and other changes in hopes of finding more sustainable financial ground. It has become abundantly clear that in order to survive these hard times, we need to rely more and more on grassroots donations from our readers and activists. [We need to raise $23,334 in the next few days to reach our January fundraising goal. Please support Daily Kos and our work with a donation of $5 or more today.]( [DONATE]( Thank you for all you do, Amanda McKay, Daily Kos --------------------------------------------------------------- Friend, this was an [exceptionally brutal week](for the news business. By Tuesday, nearly a half dozen outlets announced staff layoffs: - Facing looming layoffs, staff of the [Los Angeles Times]( staged a walkout in protest. Unfortunately they returned to the announcement that 20% of the newsroom would be laid off. - [Conde Nast]( is currently negotiating layoffs with its writers' union. Staff staged a one-day walkout earlier this week after the company rescinded its severance offer and put forth a lesser package. - The future of [Sports Illustrated]( is unknown when it's owner announced that the entire staff may need to be laid off - [Time Magazine]( laid off an unknown number of staff, across numerous departments in hopes of improving their financial situation. - After a round of layoffs last year and ceasing printing of the classic yellow-bound magazine, [National Geographic]( laid off its remaining staff of writers. This comes on the heels of an [exceptionally brutal year]( that saw a record high of media layoffs. News outlets have been struggling to cover their expenses in the face of an advertising revenue downturn. Far too many haven't been able to evolve their business models to survive these difficult times. Daily Kos has also faced financial difficulties. Two of our three revenue streams have continually fallen behind projections. To make up for those losses, we have had to rely more and more on donations from our community. [I really hope that Daily Kos doesn't join this growing list of news outlets that have had to lay off staff in 2024. We need to raise $48,446 in the next few days to reach our fundraising goal. Please support our work with a donation of $5 or more today.]( [DONATE]( Thank you for all you do, Amanda McKay, Daily Kos If you wish to donate by mail instead, please send a check to Daily Kos, PO Box 70036, Oakland, CA, 94612. Contributions to Daily Kos are not tax deductible. Sent via [ActionNetwork.org](. To update your email address, change your name or address, or to stop receiving emails from Daily Kos, please [click here](.