Los Angeles Times Declines To Endorse Candidate, Prompting Resignations

The Los Angeles Times’ decision not to endorse a presidential candidate has been followed by significant internal turbulence and several resignations.

At a Glance

Editorial board members Robert Greene, Karin Klein, and Mariel Garza resigned after the paper owner halted endorsement plans.
The newspaper’s owner, Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, suggested a neutral analysis instead of endorsing a candidate.
The decision led to backlash from subscribers and accusations of undermining journalistic integrity.
Historically partisan, this marks a shift for the LA Times as similar publications also refrain from endorsements.

Resignations After Endorsement Halt

The Los Angeles Times has faced multiple resignations from editorial board members after its decision not to endorse a presidential candidate. Robert Greene and Karin Klein left after owner Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong blocked an endorsement of Kamala Harris. Editorial page editor Mariel Garza also resigned, highlighting internal discord over the shift in policy.

Greene, a Pulitzer Prize winner, accused Soon-Shiong of violating journalism principles. “I recognize that it is the owner’s decision to make. But it hurt particularly because one of the candidates, Donald Trump, has demonstrated such hostility to principles that are central to journalism — respect for the truth and reverence for democracy,” Greene commented in a statement.

Neutral Analysis Over Endorsement

Owner Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong proposed a neutral analysis of Kamala Harris and Donald Trump’s policies, rather than endorsing a candidate. This deviation from tradition sparked objections from the editorial board, who deemed the move outside their purview. Soon-Shiong argued for a more factual presentation: “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.”

His decision was aimed at fostering neutrality and reducing division, placing decision-making in the hands of readers. However, this has been met with harsh criticism from readers and the newspaper industry.

Los Angeles Times editorials editor resigns after newspaper withholds presidential endorsement https://t.co/cJL7frZ3wL pic.twitter.com/S52VcNbCb1

— Eyewitness News (@ABC7NY) October 24, 2024

Impact and Reactions

The Los Angeles Times follows in the footsteps of newspapers like the Washington Post, which also refrained from endorsement. The move has incited thousands of subscription cancellations and internal conflict within the Times. Former editorial members and readers have called for transparency and adherence to past traditions.

“I’m disappointed by the editorial [board] members resigning the way they did. But that’s their choice, right?” reflected Dr. Soon-Shiong, defending his decision against criticism.

The decision highlights the broader challenges faced by the newspaper industry, including financial pressures and the evolving role of editorial boards.