The Los Angeles Times, known for its historic tradition of endorsing political candidates, has found itself at the center of controversy after its owner, Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, intervened in the editorial board's process regarding the upcoming presidential election.
Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong's decision to not endorse Vice President Kamala Harris marks a significant shift from the newspaper's recent history of supporting Democratic candidates, the Daily Mail reported.
Historically, the LA Times has maintained a reputation for making political endorsements, particularly during presidential elections. Since Barack Obama's campaign in 2008, the newspaper has consistently backed Democratic candidates for the presidency. However, this longstanding tradition came to a halt when Dr. Soon-Shiong, owner of the publication since 2018, opted for a different course.
Earlier this month, executive editor Terry Tang revealed that the LA Times would not endorse a presidential candidate for the upcoming election. This announcement came as a surprise, considering the editorial board was reportedly ready to throw its support behind Vice President Kamala Harris. However, it was Dr. Soon-Shiong's influence that ultimately changed the course.
The decision to abstain from endorsing Harris has been noted as a stark departure from the newspaper's past practices. In previous elections, the LA Times provided endorsements that spanned back to the 1880s, reflecting consistency in advocating for presidential candidates. Even after endorsing Richard Nixon in 1972—a choice later regretted—the LA Times returned to endorsing Democrats starting with Obama in 2008.
This recent decision is not the first time Dr. Soon-Shiong has asserted his influence over the paper's endorsements. In the 2020 presidential race, he overrode the editorial board's initial choice of endorsing Sen. Elizabeth Warren during the Democratic primary, instead opting to endorse President Joe Biden over former President Donald Trump.
Concerns have been voiced about the potential impact of the Soon-Shiong family's political views on the LA Times's operations. Reports have indicated apprehensions over the political activism of Dr. Soon-Shiong's daughter, raising questions about the impartiality of the newspaper's coverage.
Hillary Manning, vice president of communications at the LA Times, offered insight into the family’s perspective, noting that as proprietors, the Soon-Shiongs possess the authority to direct the organization's decisions. Manning emphasized that ensuring an independent newsroom remains a priority for the owners, for the newspaper itself, and for the community it serves.
Despite these assurances, the degree of involvement the Soon-Shiong family exercises continues to be a topic of debate among staff and media analysts alike.
Dr. Soon-Shiong's acquisition of the LA Times in 2018 for $500 million positioned him as a significant media player. His wealth, amassed through the sale of pharmaceutical companies amounting to $7.4 billion, underscores his formidable influence.
A representative for the newspaper maintained discretion regarding internal decisions about editorials or endorsements, leaving the exact influence of Dr. Soon-Shiong on these matters open to speculation.
Within the newsroom, there appears to be a diversity of viewpoints regarding how involved the owners should be in daily operations. Manning recognized this range of opinions, pointing out the importance of different perspectives when evaluating organizational leadership.
The implications of Dr. Soon-Shiong's influence extend beyond the upcoming election, potentially shaping the editorial voice of the LA Times for years to come. As the publication navigates this new era, questions regarding organizational independence and editorial integrity cannot be ignored.
With the newspaper's editorial direction now closely watched, its readers and the broader media landscape await to see how these dynamics will unfold in future political cycles.
