
Editorial upheaval strikes the Los Angeles Times as key staff members resign over blocked presidential endorsement.
At a Glance
- Three Los Angeles Times editorial staff members resign over blocked presidential endorsement
- Owner Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong prevented endorsement of Kamala Harris for 2024 election
- Resignations spark debate on editorial independence and media’s role in political discourse
- Departing staff express concerns about silence during “dangerous times”
Editorial Board Resignations Rock Los Angeles Times
The Los Angeles Times has found itself at the center of a media storm following the resignations of three key editorial staff members. Robert Greene, Karin Klein, and Mariel Garza stepped down from their positions after the newspaper’s owner, Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, blocked an endorsement of Kamala Harris for the 2024 presidential election. This decision has ignited a fierce debate about editorial independence and the role of media ownership in shaping public discourse.
The resignations have sent shockwaves through the journalism community, raising questions about the balance between ownership control and editorial freedom. Robert Greene, a Pulitzer Prize-winning editorial writer known for his work on the Los Angeles criminal justice system, expressed disappointment over the lack of endorsement. Karin Klein, who wrote on topics including education and the environment, also chose to depart.
Controversy Over Endorsement Policy
At the heart of the controversy is Dr. Soon-Shiong’s decision to prevent the editorial board from endorsing a presidential candidate. The owner suggested an alternative approach, proposing a factual analysis of both candidates’ policies instead of a traditional endorsement. This stance has been met with resistance from the editorial staff, who argue that taking a clear position is crucial, especially given the current political climate.
Mariel Garza, the editorial page editor who also resigned, was particularly vocal in her criticism of the decision. She argued that the newspaper’s silence during what she described as “dangerous times” was unacceptable, emphasizing the importance of speaking out on matters of conscience.
Ownership vs. Editorial Independence
Dr. Soon-Shiong defended his decision, stating that he wanted to avoid further division and allow readers to make their own decisions based on a balanced presentation of facts. He proposed a comprehensive analysis of both candidates’ policies and their impact on the nation. A refreshing approach and unusual for the LA Times. However, this approach was rejected by the editorial board, who opted for silence rather than comply with the owner’s wishes. They clearly only wanted to create an opinion piece rather than offer an “old fashioned” journalistic approach that lays out facts without bias.
“As an owner, I’m on the editorial board and I shared with our editors that maybe this year we have a column, a page, two pages, if we want, of all the pros and all the cons and let the readers decide.” – Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong
The Los Angeles Times Guild has criticized Soon-Shiong for allegedly blaming the editorial board for the decision not to endorse. The Guild expressed concern over the owner’s actions and is seeking answers from newsroom management to maintain the integrity of the publication.
Implications for Media Independence
This incident has sparked a broader discussion about the role of media institutions in shaping public dialogue and the delicate balance between ownership control and editorial freedom. The resignations at the Los Angeles Times serve as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by modern news organizations in maintaining their independence while navigating the interests of ownership and the expectations of readers.
As the dust settles on this controversy, the journalism community and readers alike will be watching closely to see how the Los Angeles Times addresses these issues and what impact this will have on its future editorial policies and reputation as a leading news source.