Respected Legal Columnist Resigns from Los Angeles Times, Citing Owner’s Alleged Appeasement of Trump
Harry Litman, former senior legal columnist for the Los Angeles Times, made headlines this week with his announcement that he has resigned from the liberal outlet. Litman accused the paper’s owner, Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, of “appeasing” President-elect Donald Trump. Speaking on MSNBC, Litman criticized the Los Angeles Times for abandoning its responsibility to confront Trump’s threat to democracy by taking a less partisan stand. He argued that the paper’s decision was a “shameful capitulation” driven by concerns over personal holdings and fear of retribution from Trump.
Owner’s Non-Partisan Approach Sparks Controversy
Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, a billionaire tech entrepreneur and physician who acquired the Los Angeles Times in 2018, caused a stir among liberals when he announced that the paper would not be making a presidential endorsement in the 2024 election. This decision was met with backlash from staff, leading to the resignation of three editorial board members in protest. Soon-Shiong emphasized his commitment to non-partisanship and pledged to establish a new editorial board that would promote reader trust in the media.
Conservative Commentator Joins Editorial Board
As evidence of his non-partisan approach, Soon-Shiong appointed conservative CNN commentator Scott Jennings to the editorial board. Jennings expressed his support for the owner’s vision, stating that he believes Soon-Shiong is doing something important and groundbreaking. This move further highlighted the shift in the paper’s direction and sparked further debate.
Litman’s Resignation Reflects Concerns about Trump’s Assault on Democratic Rule
Harry Litman is the latest employee to quit the Los Angeles Times, citing the owner’s alleged “capitulation to Trump.” In an interview with MSNBC, Litman explained his decision by emphasizing the importance of the press in standing up against Trump’s assault on democratic rule. He expressed disappointment with the paper’s lack of balance in the face of Trump’s falsehoods and criticized its prioritization of personal interests over journalistic integrity.
Future Plans Include AI-Powered “Bias Meter”
Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong recently announced that the Los Angeles Times is looking into launching an AI-powered “bias meter.” This tool aims to provide readers with an understanding of the level of bias in an article, whether it be in news or opinion pieces. Soon-Shiong hopes that the meter will be available by January, further demonstrating his commitment to transparency and non-partisanship.
The Los Angeles Times did not respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.
