Los Angeles Times faces backlash over non-endorsement in 2024 election
The Los Angeles Times, under the ownership of billionaire Patrick Soon-Shiong, is experiencing significant criticism following its decision to abstain from endorsing a candidate in the upcoming 2024 presidential election. This marks a notable departure from the paper’s long-standing tradition of supporting Democratic candidates, a practice it has maintained since 2008. The editorial board had initially intended to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris, but Soon-Shiong’s directive to remain neutral has sparked outrage among staff and readers alike.
Editorial board’s intentions and internal turmoil
Mariel Garza, the Times’ editorials editor, revealed that she had prepared an endorsement for Harris, only to be informed of the decision to remain neutral. In a resignation letter, Garza expressed her dismay, stating that the choice to stay silent during “dangerous times” reflects poorly on the newspaper. She articulated the contradiction of having criticized former President Donald Trump while failing to support a competent Democratic challenger, raising questions about the paper’s integrity and commitment to its values.
Public reaction and subscription cancellations
The backlash has not been limited to internal dissent; it has also manifested in public outrage. Following the announcement, hundreds of readers reportedly canceled their subscriptions, citing dissatisfaction with the editorial direction. Staff members expressed their frustrations on internal communication platforms, with some questioning the long-term implications of the non-endorsement. The situation has led to a perception that the Times has become part of the story, undermining its credibility as a neutral news source.
Financial struggles and the future of endorsements
The controversy comes at a time when the Los Angeles Times is grappling with significant financial challenges, having laid off over 20% of its editorial staff earlier this year. Soon-Shiong justified these layoffs by highlighting the paper’s annual losses of nearly $40 million. As the landscape of local journalism shifts, with hedge funds increasingly acquiring newspapers and reducing editorial independence, the future of endorsements remains uncertain. Other prominent publications, like The Washington Post, have also refrained from endorsing candidates, raising concerns about the role of traditional journalism in the political arena.
