What's happened
The Los Angeles Times and The Washington Post faced backlash after deciding not to endorse presidential candidates for the upcoming election. This decision led to resignations, subscription cancellations, and questions about editorial independence amid political pressures from ownership.
Why it matters
What the papers say
The New York Times reported that the decision not to endorse was seen as a favor to Donald Trump, with former editor Marty Baron criticizing it as 'cowardice.' Meanwhile, the South China Morning Post highlighted the involvement of Nika Soon-Shiong, who stated the decision was a response to the war in Gaza, further complicating the narrative around editorial independence. The Washington Post's publisher defended the choice as a return to their roots, but this has not quelled the backlash from readers and staff alike.
How we got here
Both The Los Angeles Times and The Washington Post, owned by billionaires Patrick Soon-Shiong and Jeff Bezos respectively, opted not to endorse candidates for the first time in decades. This decision has sparked significant controversy and internal dissent within the organizations.
More on these topics
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Kamala Devi Harris is an American attorney and politician who has served as the junior United States Senator from California since 2017.
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The Los Angeles Times is a daily newspaper based in El Segundo, California, which has been published in Los Angeles, California, since 1881.
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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The Washington Post is an American daily newspaper published in Washington, D.C. It is the most widely circulated newspaper within the Washington metropolitan area.
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Gaza may refer to:
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Patrick Soon-Shiong is a South African-American transplant surgeon, billionaire businessman, bioscientist, and media proprietor. He is the inventor of the drug Abraxane, which became known for its efficacy against lung, breast, and pancreatic cancer.