The Messenger news outlet to shut down: reports

Digital news startup The Messenger will reportedly shut down after less than a year in operation, multiple outlets have reported.

The New York Times first reported on the expected closure highlighting its poor revenue and limited remaining cash. The company made roughly $3 million by the end of 2023 and had roughly $1.8 million available at that time.

The company was founded by Jimmy Finkelstein, the former owner of The Hill, with the intent of creating an alternative to mainstream news sources. Finkelstein at the time, said he aimed to create a "Washington Post, Daily Mail hybrid," The Hill reported.

At least one journalist with the outlet confirmed his layoff on Wednesday, indicating he learned of his termination through other news sites.

"I just got laid off. One would expect to learn this news from their employer but instead, [The Messenger] employees learned of it via [The New York Times] and [Semafor] - there is no severance. Healthcare will cease. I have to go clean out my desk from the DC office," wrote James LaPorta.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter.