Additional Coverage:
- LA Times editorials editor quits after billionaire owner reportedly blocked paper from endorsing Harris (newsbreak.com)
Los Angeles Times Editor Resigns Over Endorsement Blocking
The editor of the Los Angeles Times’ editorial page has resigned in protest. The editor, Mariel Garza, claims that the paper’s owner, Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, ordered the paper to withhold an endorsement of Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election.
Garza believes the endorsement was important, despite most California readers being inclined to support Harris. She argues that the paper has repeatedly criticized former President Trump’s behavior and unfitness for office.
Soon-Shiong denies ordering the board to withhold the endorsement. He claims he asked the board to provide non-partisan analyses of candidates and let readers decide.
The decision has sparked controversy within and outside the newsroom. The paper’s union has demanded an explanation.
Soon-Shiong, a billionaire doctor, purchased the Times in 2018. He has invested heavily in revitalizing the paper but has faced criticism for previous attempts to influence editorial decisions.
The paper has faced financial struggles in recent years. In January, it announced layoffs affecting over 100 employees.