As if the Washington Post weren’t already in disarray because it can no longer turn a profit, reporters are having a hard time dialing out of the newsroom or getting calls.

“What newsroom?” an editor asks.

The storied space on the fifth floor of the Post’s downtown DC building is being reconstructed to house the merged print and digital staffs. The cubicles that served as models for the All the President’s Men set are gone. Some reporters are working from home; editors are farmed out to other floors—or broom closets. The new Internet phones aren’t receiving calls.

The refurbished newsroom, with “universal” and “continuous news” desks, was supposed to be up and running last month. Says the paper’s editor, Marcus Brauchli: “We’re hoping it’s ready by the end of the year.”

Got a scoop? Trouble reaching the Post? Call me at The Washingtonian: 202-296-3600.

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