LA Times Top Editor Resigns Over Non-Endorsement of Harris

LA Times Editorials Editor Steps Down

In a surprising development, Mariel Garza, the editorials editor of the Los Angeles Times, has resigned after the newspaper decided against endorsing a candidate in the upcoming presidential election.

Her resignation highlights controversy and raises questions about the integrity of the paper's editorial process, which this year remains silent on presidential preferences.

Garza's resignation is notably tied to the decision made by the owner of the newspaper, Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, who has owned the paper since 2018. Traditionally, the Los Angeles Times has endorsed presidential candidates since 2008, beginning with support for former President Barack Obama. This year, however, the paper has opted not to endorse any candidate, a choice that has prompted internal debate and external criticism.

Owner's Influence Causes Internal Strife

The controversy unfolded as Garza was in the midst of drafting an endorsement for Vice President Kamala Harris. Garza was informed by her superiors that the paper would not take an official stance, leaving her perplexed and suspicious of the motivations behind this decision.

The non-endorsement decision has led Garza to voice her concerns over what she perceives as a significant compromise of the paper's integrity. She noted the importance of speaking out in what she called "dangerous times," underscoring the potential negative perception of bias and hypocrisy the newspaper could face.

Garza emphasized that withholding an endorsement might be perceived as a lack of authenticity, suggesting it could seem hypocritical, and even sexist and racist, considering the Times' prior endorsement of Harris for the U.S. Senate. She expressed these thoughts in her resignation letter, underscoring the deep dissatisfaction she felt over the decision.

Editorial Board's Role Under Scrutiny

Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong responded to inquiries through social media, attributing the decision to remain neutral to the Editorial Board, which he stated "chose to remain silent" despite their autonomy to write non-partisan analyses of presidential candidates’ policies.

This explanation has not satisfied everyone. The Los Angeles Times Guild Unit Council and Bargaining Committee has expressed concern over Soon-Shiong’s handling of the situation, urging newsroom management to offer further clarification.

This incident is not the first time Soon-Shiong's influence has sparked unrest. Former editorial page editor Sewell Chan has pointed out similar conflicts in 2020, when Soon-Shiong halted an endorsement in the Democratic primary, drawing attention to ongoing tensions regarding endorsements under his leadership.

Loss of Tradition Divides the Newsroom

The choice to refrain from endorsing follows a history of the Los Angeles Times consistently backing Democratic candidates since 2008. Despite this, the current stance indicates a departure from tradition, raising questions about the editorial board's independence under the current ownership.

In her resignation, Garza made clear that the intent behind editorials had long been to depict the dangers posed by Donald Trump, perceiving an endorsement of a Democratic challenger as a natural progression. Her resignation spotlighted the role endorsements play in maintaining the institution’s integrity.

The Times has continued to endorse other Democratic candidates in races outside of the presidency. This selective endorsement policy raises questions regarding the criteria used to decide which political figures receive editorial support.

Call for Clarity and Transparency

Garza's departure emphasizes the potential impact such decisions have on both staff morale and audience perception. Many in the newsroom, including Garza, expressed concern that the decision could appear to be made by ownership decree rather than through cooperative journalistic inquiry.

The ongoing situation reflects a broader discussion within media organizations about the balance between management's influence and editorial autonomy. The unresolved conflict between the paper's leadership and its editorial staff has left many wondering about the future trajectory of the Los Angeles Times' political endorsements.

The ownership's influence, especially concerning significant editorial decisions like presidential endorsements, remains a crucial area for media analysts and newsroom staff to watch in the weeks and months leading to the election. The implications of such dynamics go beyond one publication, touching on questions of journalistic freedom and the future integrity of media institutions nationwide.