Billionaire newspapers

Jeff Bezos, owner of The Washington Post, has reportedly blocked the newspaper's endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris, a decision that has drawn sharp criticism from former executive editor Martin Baron, who labeled it as 'cowardice.' This incident follows a similar action by Patrick Soon-Shiong, owner of the Los Angeles Times, who also prevented his paper from endorsing Harris, leading to resignations from editorial board members who opposed the decision. Soon-Shiong defended his choice by suggesting that endorsing candidates would contribute to division, while also criticizing subscribers who canceled their memberships amid the controversy. Both owners' actions have sparked widespread backlash, highlighting concerns over the influence of billionaires in media and the integrity of journalistic independence. Critics argue that these decisions reflect a troubling trend where media ownership prioritizes financial interests over democratic values. As the election approaches, the silence of major newspapers on endorsements raises alarms about the role of powerful individuals in shaping public discourse.