Editor Quits Over LA Times' Stance on Presidential Endorsement

In a surprising turn of events, the Los Angeles Times' editorial editor, Mariel Garza, has quit her position. The reason? The newspaper's owner, Patrick Soon-Shiong, blocked the editorial board's plan to endorse Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris for president. Garza felt this silence was unacceptable, especially in these "dangerous times, " as she put it. She wanted to stand up for what she believed in, and so she resigned. Soon-Shiong, who bought the paper in 2018, had asked the board to do a factual analysis of Harris' and former President Donald Trump's policies. He wanted readers to have clear, non-partisan information to make their own decisions. However, the board decided not to endorse anyone, and Soon-Shiong accepted their decision.

Garza revealed that the board had intended to endorse Harris, and she had even drafted an outline for the editorial. The LA Times Guild Unit Council & Bargaining Committee expressed their concern about the owner's decision and the unfair blame being placed on the editorial board. They are still seeking answers from newsroom management. This isn't the first time the LA Times has faced changes in leadership. About 10 months ago, then-Executive Editor Kevin Merida left the paper due to not meeting digital subscriber goals. The newspaper is seeking ways to boost revenue to sustain its newsroom and digital operations.

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