Key Takeaways:
– Mariel Garza, former top editorial page editor at the LA Times, resigned after planned Kamala Harris endorsement was blocked.
– Owner Patrick Soon-Shiong vetoed the move.
– Garza shared the episode in an interview with Columbia Journalism Review.
Mariel Garza, once the Los Angeles Times’ top editorial page editor, made headlines when she decided to desist from her role. In a surprising revelation, she cited a clash over endorsing political candidate Kamala Harris as the reason for her abrupt departure. But who was in the way? None other than Patrick Soon-Shiong, the wealthy biotech tycoon who purchased the paper in 2018.
Mistiming of Discontent
Often, strained professional relationships brew long before they come to blow up. This seems to have been the case with Garza and Soon-Shiong. The desire to endorse Harris, a senator from California, for the presidential election set the stage for the climax. But Soon-Shiong’s unanticipated intervention drove Garza to her boiling point.
Why Endorsements Matter
When a newspaper or media outlet makes an endorsement, it is essentially giving its nod of approval to a candidate. Media endorsements can sometimes sway public opinion. This is particularly true when the endorsement comes from an influential and respected source like the LA Times. But Soon-Shiong seemed to have different plans. His move to block the endorsement contradicted the conventional practices of many media houses, and it upended Garza’s intentions.
Did Money Rule the Day?
Soon-Shiong’s act raises questions about whether the billionaire owner tried to use his position to influence the paper’s political leanings. Regardless of the motive, the fallout proves that money might not always be enough to keep talented people onboard.
Thread of Independence Threatened
The principle of editorial independence is a key pillar of journalism. And it is this thread that seems to have been threatened by Soon-Shiong’s intervention. Whether it was a single action or the symptom of a much larger issue, it provoked a strong reaction from Garza, who chose to resign rather than compromise on her principles.
Wider Implications for Journalism
This incident also opens up larger questions about the role of newspaper ownership. It serves as a reminder that, when money talks, it can potentially influence the media, leading to bias and jeopardizing journalistic integrity.
A Precedent Set?
While it is common for update and opinion teams to differ on issues, editorial endorsements often involve the consensus of the board. The situation between Garza and Soon-Shiong sets a precedent for questions surrounding conflicts over editorial discretion and owner intervention.
The Unforgettable Exit
Garza’s resignation might recede from the headlines but her exit made a strong statement. For many, she is not just a former editor leaving her job but a symbol of standing up against undue perceived interference.
In Conclusion: More Than A Newsroom Episode
While this incident unfolded within the confines of the LA Times newsroom, the implications echo in the larger journalism industry. Grappling with vital concerns about editorial independence, interference from ownership, and the potential for bias, this newsroom incident serves as a timely reminder about the realities of modern-day journalism.
And as we move forward, it is stories like these – as much as the stories published in the papers themselves – that unveil the real challenges faced by journalism today. Despite the dismissal of her endorsement, Garza’s exit may well endorse a more significant principle — editorial independence and the strength to refuse compromise.