LA Times Fires Over 100 Employees

The LA Times, the largest newspaper on the West Coast, announced the layoffs at least 115 staff members Tuesday, delivering another significant blow to the publication that has grappled with challenges since its acquisition by biotech billionaire Patrick Soon-Shiong in 2018.

The LA Times layoffs, which affected columnists, reporters, and editors, were disclosed during a webinar that one staffer likened to a "drive-by" on social media, leaving the newsroom in a state of chaos with limited editorial direction, according to Los Angeles Magazine.

The abrupt announcement came without an opportunity for questions, further heightening the distress among those affected.

The decision followed a warning from a delegation of 10 members of Congress, who penned a letter to Soon-Shiong expressing concerns about potential media layoffs and their adverse impact on democracy, especially in the context of a crucial election year.

"We are concerned about reports of potential layoffs facing the LA Times newsroom and the impact this will have on all Angelenos, the availability of essential news, and the strength of our democracy at large," the letter said.

The signatories included Representatives Pete Aguilar, Adam Schiff, Ted Lieu, and others from the California delegation.

LA Times Owner Acknowledges Financial Challenges and Urgency for Change

Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, owner of the Los Angeles Times, acknowledged the financial strain on the newspaper, stating that sustaining annual losses of $30 million to $40 million was no longer viable, per CBS News.

He emphasized the need for drastic changes to ensure the paper's sustainability and success for future generations.

While expressing pain over the decision, Soon-Shiong affirmed the commitment to taking urgent steps to build a thriving newspaper.

However, the announcement was met with condemnation from affected staffers and the LA Times Guild, the union representing the newsroom employees.

Members of the LA Times guild expressed devastation and disappointment, with one laid-off worker describing the experience as a dream turned nightmare.

Matt Pearce, president of the Media Guild of the West, noted that the LA Times layoffs affected approximately one-fourth of the guild's membership, though the number was lower than initially anticipated.

Disarray and Departures at the LA Times

The LA Times, boasting the largest newsroom in the western US is in disarray due to a significant financial shortfall, CNN reports.

The newspaper's top editor, Kevin Merida, abruptly announced his departure, and two members of an interim leadership team appointed by Soon-Shiong also exited unexpectedly.

Soon-Shiong clarified in an interview that he had lost the confidence of Merida and some high-ranking editors he had appointed.

Despite the challenges, he pushed back against the notion that the newspaper was in turmoil.

"We are not in turmoil. We have a real plan," Soon-Shiong said.

The LA Times is not alone in grappling with financial difficulties within the news industry.

Many news organizations have faced layoffs over the past year, with nearly 2,700 jobs slashed in the journalism industry in 2023, marking the highest total since the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

The challenges faced by traditional media outlets reflect the evolving landscape of consumer behavior, technological advancements, and a challenging advertising climate.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Los Angeles Times announces mass layoffs - From KTLA 5