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LA Times in Crisis: Newspaper Pleads for Subscribers to Stay
Blocked Harris Endorsement Sparks Mass Cancellations
Netter News
October 24, 2024
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California’s largest newspaper is in turmoil yet again, this time thrust into the heart of a political firestorm. The Los Angeles Times, known for its historic Democratic leanings, is facing an unexpected backlash from its readers, who are canceling their subscriptions in droves.
Plea for Subscribers to Stay
The union representing LA Times newsroom employees has issued pleas for subscribers to reconsider after a wave of cancellations followed the paper’s blocked endorsement of Kamala Harris for President.
Despite their efforts, it seems the damage is already done.
A statement from Los Angeles Times Guild leadership:
— L.A. Times Guild 🦅 (@latguild)
5:48 PM • Oct 24, 2024
Quick Catchup
The controversy centers around the LA Times’ owner, Dr, Patrick Soon-Shiong, who blocked the newspaper’s editorial board from endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris for president.
This move marks a stunning departure from the paper’s history of Democratic endorsements, a tradition upheld since 2008.
This request, seen by many within the newsroom as outside interference, triggered an immediate backlash.
The editorials editor Mariel Garza resigned in protest on Wednesday, sparking an internal crisis and fueling outrage from long-time readers.
“I am resigning because I want to make it clear that I am not okay with us being silent. In dangerous times, honest people need to stand up. This is how I’m standing up.”
Owner Acknowledges Editorial Interference
In a highly unusual twist, the billionaire owner, Soon-Shiong, admitted he interfered in the journalism process. Via the X platform, he stated:
"I directed the editorial board to draft an analysis of both presidential candidates’ positive and negative policies during their tenures in the White House…. the editorial board chose to remain silent, and I accepted their decision."
So many comments about the @latimes Editorial Board not providing a Presidential endorsement this year. Let me clarify how this decision came about.
The Editorial Board was provided the opportunity to draft a factual analysis of all the POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE policies by EACH… x.com/i/web/status/1…
— Dr. Pat Soon-Shiong (@DrPatSoonShiong)
10:31 PM • Oct 23, 2024
Bigger Issues at Play
The owner’s push for so-called "balance" has caused a major rift within the paper.
It has raised serious concerns about the editorial independence of the LA Times.
The controversy has sparked a larger conversation about the role of ownership in journalism and how it impacts news coverage.
Reader Reactions
Many LA Times loyal subscribers are feeling betrayed by the owner’s decision.
Subscribers had expected the paper to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris, a California native, who calls Brentwood home.
The sudden shift away from an endorsement has left readers angry and disappointed.
What’s Next?
The LA Times has faced significant financial challenges in recent years and the current wave of cancellations could exacerbate the financial woes.
In January 2024, the newspaper laid off 115 employees amid growing financial strain.
Owner Patrick Soon-Shiong defended the layoffs, stating the paper couldn’t continue to lose nearly $40 million annually.
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