Los Angeles Times editor resigns after newspaper withholds presidential endorsement

You May Be Interested In:Kayem Foods recalls over 24,000 pounds of chicken sausage products


The editorials editor of the Los Angeles Times has resigned after the newspaper’s owner blocked the editorial board’s plans to endorse Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris for president, a journalism trade publication reported Wednesday.

Mariel Garza told the Columbia Journalism Review in an interview that she resigned because the Times was remaining silent on the contest in “dangerous times.”

“I am resigning because I want to make it clear that I am not OK with us being silent,” Garza said. “In dangerous times, honest people need to stand up. This is how I’m standing up.”

In a post on the social media platform X that did not directly mention the resignation, LA Times owner Patrick Soon-Shiong said the board was asked to do a factual analysis of the policies of Harris and Republican former President Donald Trump during their time at the White House.

Additionally, “The board was asked to provide (its) understanding of the policies and plans enunciated by the candidates during this campaign and its potential effect on the nation in the next four years,” he wrote. “In this way, with this clear and non-partisan information side-by-side, our readers could decide who would be worthy of being president for the next four years.”

Soon-Shiong, who bought the paper in 2018, said the board “chose to remain silent and I accepted their decision.”

Garza told the Columbia Journalism Review that the board had intended to endorse Harris and she had drafted the outline of a proposed editorial.

A LA Times spokesperson did not immediately respond to an email requesting comment.

The LA Times Guild Unit Council & Bargaining Committee said it was “deeply concerned about our owner’s decision to block a planned endorsement in the presidential race.”

“We are even more concerned that he is now unfairly assigning blame to Editorial Board members for his decision not to endorse,” the guild said in a statement. “We are still pressing for answers from newsroom management on behalf of our members.”

Trump’s campaign jumped on Garza’s departure, saying the state’s largest newspaper had declined to endorse the Democratic ticket after backing Harris in her previous races for U.S. Senate and state attorney general.

Her exit comes about 10 months after then-Executive Editor Kevin Merida left the paper in what was called a “mutually agreed” upon departure. At the time, the news organization said it had fallen well short of its digital subscriber goals and needed a revenue boost to sustain the newsroom and its digital operations.

share Paylaş facebook pinterest whatsapp x print

Similar Content

Billy Long, Trump's pick to lead IRS, pushed a tax credit that raises red flags, Sen. Warren says
Billy Long, Trump’s pick to lead IRS, pushed a tax credit that raises red flags, Sen. Warren says
New York City shutters sprawling migrant tent camp on remote former airfield
New York City shutters sprawling migrant tent camp on remote former airfield
Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares resigns amid slumping sales, alleged boardroom disagreements
Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares resigns amid slumping sales, alleged boardroom disagreements
11/3: The Takeout: Data guru Tom Bonier
11/3: The Takeout: Data guru Tom Bonier
"Gus," emperor penguin found on Australian beach after swimming from Antarctica, released at sea after 20 days of care
“Gus,” emperor penguin found on Australian beach after swimming from Antarctica, released at sea after 20 days of care
It's the GOP's world in Washington. Democratic governors are getting ready
It’s the GOP’s world in Washington. Democratic governors are getting ready
Vista News | © 2024 | News