Los Angeles Times Editors Resign Over Endorsement Conflict

The Los Angeles Times has seen a significant shakeup in its editorial board, with three key members resigning in protest against owner Patrick Soon-Shiong's decision to block an endorsement for Vice President Kamala Harris in the upcoming presidential election. Editorial board members Mariel Garza, Robert Greene, and Karin Klein all stepped down, expressing concerns that the owner's veto undermines journalistic integrity and the newspaper’s history of endorsing candidates since 2008. Soon-Shiong defended his choice, stating that it aimed to maintain a non-divisive stance in a polarized political climate, suggesting instead that the board provide a comparative analysis of Harris and Donald Trump. However, Greene and Klein criticized this move, stating it implied an unjust equivalence between the two candidates and was a form of silent editorializing against Harris. The departures have led to backlash from readers, with over 1,700 subscriptions canceled, including high-profile cancellations from celebrities. This turmoil reflects broader tensions within the media regarding editorial independence and political endorsements.