Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong’s Bold Move: LAT’s Conservative Media Transition?

Red "Make America Great Again" hat on person's head.

LA Times owner’s controversial new MAGA-leaning digital news venture sparks newsroom revolt and raises questions about the future of mainstream media.

Key Takeaways

LA Times owner Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong is launching LAT Next, a MAGA-friendly digital news service featuring Candace Owens and Scott Jennings.
The venture has caused concern among LA Times staff, fearing resource diversion and a shift in editorial direction.
Soon-Shiong’s move reflects a growing trend of media owners pushing for more conservative perspectives in traditionally liberal outlets.
The initiative includes plans for a conservative alternative to “The View,” signaling a broader shift in the media landscape.
This development comes amid financial strain at the LA Times, with voluntary buyouts and potential job cuts looming.

A Conservative Revolution in Liberal Media

In a move that’s sending shockwaves through the media world, Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, owner of the Los Angeles Times, is reportedly launching a new MAGA-leaning digital news service called LAT Next. This bold venture aims to feature controversial commentator Candace Owens and pro-Trump CNN pundit Scott Jennings, signaling a dramatic shift towards conservative media in a traditionally liberal stronghold.

The initiative has sparked intense debate and concern among LA Times staff, who fear that resources may be diverted from the newspaper to fuel this new conservative platform. Soon-Shiong’s collaboration with Republican strategist Eric Beach on this project further underscores the deliberate move towards a more right-leaning media landscape.

A Chinese /SouthAfrican guy wants to undermine America by creating a faux conservative platform featuring filthy antisemite Owens? Yeah, no thanks. https://t.co/Gtb3QnTDIt

— Shoshana🦁🌞 (@Shoshana51728) February 12, 2025

Redefining Media Boundaries

LAT Next is designed as a digital-first platform targeting a conservative audience, a stark contrast to the LA Times’ traditionally liberal slant. This shift reflects Soon-Shiong’s growing frustration with the newspaper’s left-leaning bias and his desire to broaden political discourse. The venture may include a talk show modeled after “The View,” with video content as a major focus, potentially featuring actors Rob Schneider and Cheryl Hines.

“The billionaire owner of the Los Angeles Times is reportedly in the process of launching a new MAGA-leaning digital news service that will feature controversial commentator Candace Owens and pro-Trump CNN pundit Scott Jennings.” – Source

Soon-Shiong’s actions have not been without controversy. He previously sparked a newsroom revolt by halting the Times’ endorsement of Kamala Harris before the 2020 election. More recently, he directed three left-leaning columnists to reduce their contributions, fueling speculation of a strategic shift in the opinion section.

Financial Pressures and Editorial Shifts

The launch of LAT Next comes at a time of financial strain for the Los Angeles Times. Management has announced voluntary buyouts amid significant losses, with potential job reductions on the horizon. This economic pressure may be driving Soon-Shiong’s push for a more diverse political landscape within his media empire.

“Unlike the Times, LAT Next appears to be a digital-first platform that will feature personalities catering to a conservative audience, Status’ Oliver Darcy reported on Wednesday.” – Source

In a further attempt to address perceived bias, the Times plans to introduce an AI-powered “bias meter” to its stories, though implementation details remain unclear. This move, coupled with the LAT Next initiative, underscores Soon-Shiong’s commitment to reshaping the media landscape and challenging traditional journalistic norms.

Controversial Figures and Future Implications

The inclusion of Candace Owens in the LAT Next project has raised eyebrows, given her recent departure from the Daily Wire following controversial comments about Jewish people. The Anti-Defamation League has criticized Owens, stating she “has come to embrace and promote antisemitic tropes and anti-Israel rhetoric.” This association could potentially impact the credibility and reception of the new venture.

“A recent profile in The Free Press described Soon-Shiong as having “taken the red pill,” a term associated with a right-ward political awakening.” – Source

As LAT Next takes shape, questions arise about the future of mainstream media and the blurring lines between news and opinion. Soon-Shiong’s bold move may inspire other media owners to follow suit, potentially leading to a more politically diverse media landscape. However, it also raises concerns about the erosion of traditional journalistic values and the potential for further polarization in an already divided media ecosystem.