Mariel Garza, the editorials editor of the Los Angeles Times, has stepped down from her position after the newspaper's owner, Patrick Soon-Shiong, prevented the editorial board from endorsing Democratic vice president Kamala Harris for president, according to a report by the Columbia Journalism Review on Wednesday. Garza said in an interview that she resigned because the Times was staying silent during "dangerous times."
“I am resigning because I want to make it clear that I am not OK with us being silent,” Garza told Columbia Journalism Review. “In dangerous times, honest people need to stand up. This is how I’m standing up," she added.
In a post on the social media platform X, Soon-Shiong explained that the board was requested to provide an objective analysis of the policies implemented by Harris and Republican former President Donald Trump during their tenure at the White House.
He also asked the board to offer "their understanding of the policies and plans enunciated by the candidates during this campaign and its potential effect on the nation in the next four years." Soon-Shiong believed that by presenting this unbiased information side-by-side, readers could make an informed decision about who would be the most suitable president for the next four years. He accepted the board's decision to remain silent on the matter.
The LA Times Guild Unit Council & Bargaining Committee expressed their deep concern regarding the owner's decision to block the planned endorsement in the presidential race. They also voiced their unease about Soon-Shiong's decision to unfairly assign blame to Editorial Board members for his choice not to endorse a candidate. The guild is still seeking answers from newsroom management on behalf of its members.
Trump's campaign capitalised on Garza's departure, highlighting that the state's largest newspaper had refused to endorse the Democratic ticket despite having supported Harris in her previous campaigns for US Senate and state attorney general.
Garza's resignation comes approximately 10 months after the departure of then-executive editor Kevin Merida, which was described as a "mutually agreed" upon decision.
At that time, the news organisation acknowledged that it had fallen significantly short of its digital subscriber goals and required a revenue boost to sustain the newsroom and its digital operations.
“I am resigning because I want to make it clear that I am not OK with us being silent,” Garza told Columbia Journalism Review. “In dangerous times, honest people need to stand up. This is how I’m standing up," she added.
In a post on the social media platform X, Soon-Shiong explained that the board was requested to provide an objective analysis of the policies implemented by Harris and Republican former President Donald Trump during their tenure at the White House.
So many comments about the @latimes Editorial Board not providing a Presidential endorsement this year. Let me clarify how this decision came about.
— Dr. Pat Soon-Shiong (@DrPatSoonShiong) October 23, 2024
The Editorial Board was provided the opportunity to draft a factual analysis of all the POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE policies by EACH…
He also asked the board to offer "their understanding of the policies and plans enunciated by the candidates during this campaign and its potential effect on the nation in the next four years." Soon-Shiong believed that by presenting this unbiased information side-by-side, readers could make an informed decision about who would be the most suitable president for the next four years. He accepted the board's decision to remain silent on the matter.
The LA Times Guild Unit Council & Bargaining Committee expressed their deep concern regarding the owner's decision to block the planned endorsement in the presidential race. They also voiced their unease about Soon-Shiong's decision to unfairly assign blame to Editorial Board members for his choice not to endorse a candidate. The guild is still seeking answers from newsroom management on behalf of its members.
Trump's campaign capitalised on Garza's departure, highlighting that the state's largest newspaper had refused to endorse the Democratic ticket despite having supported Harris in her previous campaigns for US Senate and state attorney general.
Garza's resignation comes approximately 10 months after the departure of then-executive editor Kevin Merida, which was described as a "mutually agreed" upon decision.
At that time, the news organisation acknowledged that it had fallen significantly short of its digital subscriber goals and required a revenue boost to sustain the newsroom and its digital operations.
You may also like
Indore Shocker! Troubled By Girlfriend, Man Commits Suicide In 3rd Attempt
King Charles fan's brutal eight-word greeting as he introduces monarch to his family
Liverpool set to save millions with Trent Alexander-Arnold saga despite free exit to Real
Cyclone Dana landfall likely tonight; Kolkata, Bhubaneshwar airports to suspend ops
Five killed, one injured after car overturns in Rajasthan's Sirohi
