The Los Angeles Times finds itself at the center of a media controversy with the resignation of Mariel Garza over the paper’s political endorsement decisions.
At a Glance
- Mariel Garza resigns due to non-endorsement of Kamala Harris.
- Owner Patrick Soon-Shiong called for non-partisan candidate analysis.
- The Los Angeles Times Guild expresses concern about editorial board blame.
- Historical practice of political endorsements disrupted.
The Resignation of Mariel Garza
Mariel Garza has resigned from her role as editorials editor at the Los Angeles Times. The resignation comes amidst the paper’s decision not to endorse any presidential candidate. Garza strongly disagreed with this decision, viewing it as a lost chance to express the Times’ stance during critical political times. In her words, Garza expressed dissatisfaction with “us being silent” and emphasized that honest individuals need to stand up in challenging times.
Owner Patrick Soon-Shiong influenced the decision not to endorse Kamala Harris. Garza has criticized the silence on the endorsement as hypocritical. Former editorial board member Karin Klein termed Garza’s resignation “a brave decision.”
Ownership and Editorial Dispute
Patrick Soon-Shiong’s role in canceling the endorsement reflects broader tensions between ownership and editorial policy. Soon-Shiong emphasized factual analyses of candidates’ policies, allowing readers to make decisions without influence. He wanted the editorial board to present unbiased candidate evaluations. The absence of the endorsement was significant, especially in a Democratic stronghold like California.
“Draft a factual analysis of all the POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE policies by EACH candidate during their tenures at the White House, and how these policies affected the nation.” – Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong
The Guild has expressed displeasure with Soon-Shiong’s attribution of accountability to the Editorial Board. The Guild demands explanations from newsroom management and supports its members in upholding newsroom principles and integrity.
My friend Mariel Garza just resigned as editorials editor of @latimes after the newspaper’s owner blocked the editorial board’s plan to endorse Kamala Harris for president. https://t.co/etvsPubDMV
— Sewell Chan (@sewellchan) October 23, 2024
Implications for the Los Angeles Times
The Los Angeles Times’ decision is a deviation from its historical practice of endorsing presidential candidates. Since 2008, the paper symbolically endorsed since a post-Watergate hiatus. Garza’s resignation and the paper’s silence led to questions regarding its political leanings and fairness. Trump’s campaign has seized this opportunity to question Harris’s capabilities.
“But two things concern me: This is a point in time where you speak your conscience no matter what. And an endorsement was the logical next step after a series of editorials we’ve been writing about how dangerous Trump is to democracy.” – Mariel Garza
Soon-Shiong purchased the newspaper in 2018 for $500 million, and since then, controversies have marred his tenure. Concerns over layoffs, union negotiations, and interference in newsroom decisions remain significant. As this situation unfolds, the LA Times must address its internal conflicts and determine its role in an ever-evolving political landscape.
Sources
1. L.A. Times opinion editor quits after billionaire owner kills endorsement
2. Los Angeles Times editorials editor resigns after owner blocks presidential endorsement
