In an unprecedented move, Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, the owner of the Los Angeles Times, announced that the newspaper would not endorse a candidate for the upcoming presidential election. This significant decision has caused a considerable uproar within the publication and amongst its readership. The aftermath saw three editorial board members resign, numerous staff members voice their protests, and a substantial number of readers opt to cancel their subscriptions. The Times now finds itself navigating challenging waters, as the implications of this decision resonate throughout the media and political landscapes.
The situation became even more complicated when it was revealed that an endorsement had already been prepared for Vice President Kamala Harris. Soon-Shiong’s decision not to move forward with this endorsement has led to various speculations regarding the motives behind it. The former head of the editorial board criticized Soon-Shiong’s choice, referring to it as an act of “complicity” during perilous times for democracy. Moreover, soon after the decision was made public, it raised eyebrows as it was perceived as a deviation from the Times’ usual editorial practices.
In a revealing interview with CNN, Dr. Soon-Shiong addressed some of the underlying reasons for his controversial choice. He stated that Harris’s support for Israel in the context of the Gaza conflict played a pivotal role in his decision-making process. He also indicated that he aims to reshape the paper’s opinion pages to incorporate more voices from conservative and centrist perspectives, thereby creating a balanced discourse. Soon-Shiong remarked that the current editorial board had shifted too far to the left, and suggested the need for contributions from those with right-leaning views and moderate stances.
On social media, specifically on the platform X, Soon-Shiong affirmed his intention to promote fairness in the newspaper’s editorial stance. He expressed a desire for the Times to represent a wide range of opinions, thereby facilitating respectful exchanges among diverse perspectives. He emphasized the importance of restoring trust in media, which he views as critical for democracy.
Soon-Shiong underscored that his plans for the editorial board do not imply a complete overhaul; rather, he seeks to include voices that resonate with a broader American audience. He lamented the current state of opinion journalism, stating that there is confusion regarding which pieces are opinions versus factual reporting. He pointed out that younger generations, like Gen Z, may struggle to differentiate the two, which contributes to a growing distrust in the media.
Despite opting not to endorse a candidate this election season, Dr. Soon-Shiong insisted that the Times would still consider political endorsements in the future, provided they are based on a fair analysis devoid of bias. He articulated that endorsements should not stem from a culture of “group think,” but rather be grounded on transparent and factual foundations.
The announcement of the Times’ non-endorsement triggered discussions beyond just the newspaper, particularly when it became known that Soon-Shiong’s daughter, Nika, had previously claimed that the family collectively decided on the editorial direction based on Harris’ position regarding the Gaza conflict. Soon-Shiong sought to clarify this assertion, maintaining that while the war’s impact did influence his eventual decision, it was merely one of several factors considered.
In an email to senior executives within the paper, Soon-Shiong reiterated that the conflict played a role in the endorsement decision, leading to further scrutiny regarding the rationale behind his lead as the owner. This position of accountability echoes trends seen in other major publications. The Washington Post, under the ownership of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, also did not endorse a presidential candidate for the first time in decades, raising similar conversations about the editorial independence and accountability of media institutions.
With the Los Angeles Times in the midst of this controversy, Dr. Soon-Shiong refrained from labeling the backlash a “disaster,” instead portraying it as an opportunity for transformative change. He views this moment as critical for the reinvigoration of public trust in journalism and the media’s role in society, suggesting that change is not merely necessary but essential for future credibility. The responses from both the public and industry professionals will likely further shape the narrative around an evolving media landscape, balancing tradition with modern demands for transparency and integrity.
