In an unexpected move, the Los Angeles Times has chosen not to endorse any candidate in the 2024 U.S. presidential election in a decision that comes from the newspaper's owner, Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong and one that marks a departure from its past practices of endorsing prominent Democratic figures.

The decision is significant as the Times had previously backed major Democratic candidates, including President Joe Biden in 2020, but has now withheld support for Vice President Kamala Harris, a native Californian, as Breitbart reports.

Soon-Shiong, a successful entrepreneur in the healthcare industry, took the helm of the Los Angeles Times in 2018 and has since played a crucial role in its endorsement strategy.

This year, as executive editor Terry Tang relayed earlier this month, Soon-Shiong chose not to extend an endorsement in the presidential race, as reported by Max Tani of Semafor.

Past Endorsement Patterns of Outlet

The Times resumed political endorsements in 2008 after a hiatus that started in 1972, notably supporting Barack Obama in both the 2008 and 2012 elections. In 2016, Hillary Clinton received the newspaper's endorsement, and in 2020, the publication supported Joe Biden.

During the 2020 Democratic Party primaries, the editorial board reportedly showed interest in endorsing Elizabeth Warren. However, this endorsement was vetoed by Soon-Shiong, who decided against a primary endorsement, leading the paper to reserve its support for the general election instead.

The legacy of endorsements by the Los Angeles Times extends to the era when it backed Richard Nixon through his various political campaigns, including the presidency. After Nixon's re-election in 1972, the Times ceased candidate endorsements until the re-emergence of the practice in 2008.

Process Behind Endorsement Decisions

The influence of Soon-Shiong on the paper's endorsement decisions has been notable since his acquisition of the publication. According to insiders, his hands-on approach was further exemplified during the 2020 election cycle.

Tang informed the editorial board staff of the current decision, highlighting a continued pattern of selective endorsements at the Times. These decisions prioritize what the board considers the most impactful races in which to lend their advice.

In years past, political endorsements and the ideologies that accompany them have been a point of interest for the readership of the Los Angeles Times. Yet, the decision not to engage in this practice for the upcoming election marks a pivotal moment for the newspaper’s editorial team.

Context of Current Decision

Given its history of strong endorsements, the absence of official support for Harris, a Californian herself, raises questions about the paper's future editorial direction under Soon-Shiong's ownership. The implications extend to perceptions of bias and the role of endorsements in modern journalism.

Soon-Shiong, renowned for his achievements in healthcare, now commands significant influence in the Golden State's media landscape.

His decisions often reflect broader changes in the media industry, where traditional practices are frequently re-evaluated in light of changing public expectations and technological advancements.

The Relevance of Endorsement Decisions

The Los Angeles Times’ choice reflects evolving dynamics among media organizations as they navigate their role in the political sphere. This situation presents an opportunity for discussion about the weight of media endorsements and their impact on voting behaviors.

For newspapers like the Times, balancing journalistic integrity against the potential impacts of endorsements continues to be a core challenge. This balancing act is especially challenging considering the complex interplay of ownership, editorial freedom, and audience expectations.

The Bottom Line

In summary, the Los Angeles Times has opted not to endorse a candidate in the 2024 presidential election, a decision made by its owner, Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong.

Historically, the newspaper has extended its endorsement to major Democratic candidates such as Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and Joe Biden.

This unprecedented decision highlights a shift in its editorial practices, with implications for media influence and the role of endorsements in shaping political landscapes.