One-fifth of the journalists working for the Los Angeles Times will be saying goodbye to their jobs this week as the company faces a “financial crisis.”
Journalists Laid off in Mass Numbers
The newsroom at the Los Angeles Times will be a little quieter now, following a layoff of over a hundred journalists. A majority of those impacted are union members.
Washington Bureau Deeply Impacted
The layoffs particularly seemed to target the department responsible for coverage of Washington, D.C., which has come as a surprise to many since it is an election year.
Writers Share the News
Online, those impacted shared their reactions, many noting shock and disappointment with the decisions.
“The LA Times Washington Bureau Was Decimated”
“The LA Times Washington bureau was decimated … there are five reporters left covering DC,” wrote Sarah Wire, an LA Times reporter whose focus is Washington politics.
“The Entire Business Desk as We Know It Is Gone”
“…The entire business desk as we know it is gone, too,” wrote Brian Merchant. Merchant was among the Times reporters who were let go.
Owner Says Decisions Were Difficult
The owner of the LA Times, Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, said that the decision to cut staff wasn’t made lightly, but was a necessary step in protecting the company.
Leadership Jobs Open up as Journalist Jobs Slashed
In addition to relieving staff, the Times has also begun hiring for leadership positions in an attempt to turn the paper around.
LA Times Hemorrhaging Money
According to Soon-Shiong, the company is losing $30 to $40 million annually, and hemorrhages like that are rarely sustainable.
“It Is Imperative That We Act Urgently”
“Today’s decision is painful for all, but it is imperative that we act urgently and take steps to build a sustainable and thriving paper for the next generation,” said Soon-Shiong.
Several Departments Impacted
DC-focused reporters weren’t the only ones on the chopping block. Several editors, photographers, and sports writers received pink slips as well.
Talent Not a Factor, It Seems
Some of the talent impacted included award-winning photographers, highlighting the point that the cuts were based on factors outside of performance.
Job Cuts Highest in Paper’s History
In the 142 years since the LA Times’ inception, there has never been a round of layoffs this massive. Some experts blame social media for the struggling industry.
Mass Layoffs Becoming the Industry Standard
The LA Times joins many other well-known news companies, including several major networks, who have been eliminating journalist positions in the last year.
Union Stages a Walkout
The union that houses most of the impacted staff, The Los Angeles Times Guild, held a one-day strike to protest the layoff decision, and Soon-Shiong was not happy, saying the walkout made matters worse.
But the union doubled down, shifting the blame back to Soon-Shiong. They released a statement that addressed the matter, calling out the Soon-Shiong family for their actions.
Layoffs Are “The Fruit of Years of Middling Strategy,” Says Union
“This staffing cut is the fruit of years of middling strategy, the absence of a publisher, and no clear direction,” read the statement.
“But it’s clear that those entrusted to steward the family’s largesse have failed him – not the rank-and-file staff members with no say in editorial priorities.”
Politicians Get Involved
Some Congress members have gotten involved in the conversation, specifically California Democrats, who are concerned that the election won’t receive the unbiased coverage it needs as a result of the layoffs.
“Our Community Relies on the Newspaper to Stay Informed”
“Our community relies on the newspaper to stay informed about local and national events, and a reduction in reporters could have a detrimental impact on the quality of reporting,” said a statement written by the Congress members.
“We Urge You to Consider Alternative Solutions”
“We urge you to consider alternative solutions that would allow the LA Times to navigate its financial challenges without compromising the integrity and strength of its newsroom,” it continued.
“What Can They Do to Help?”
But Soon-Shiong said he had exhausted his options and spent millions to improve the Times, and questioned whether politicians could make investments of their own to protect the news.
“I’d like to put the question to them,” Soon-Shiong said. “What can they do to help preserve a free and robust press, one that is instrumental in upholding our democracy?”
Soon-Shiong Asks for “A Fair Chance”
“All we are asking for is the opportunity for our newspaper and hardworking journalists to be fairly compensated, and for the LA Times to have a fair chance to become a self-sustaining organization.”
Addressing the concerns about the overall health of the paper, Soon-Shiong brushed off the notion that the organization was under water.
“We Are Not in Turmoil”
“We are not in turmoil,” he said. “We have a real plan.”
Biden’s New 401(k) Rule: Employers Frustrated as Retirement Planning Responsibilities Shift
The latest Biden administration rule on 401(k) plans is reshaping how employers manage retirement plans. It’s a complex scenario requiring a fresh understanding of fiduciary duties and provider relationships. This rule aims to protect employees but also imposes new responsibilities on employers. Biden’s New 401(k) Rule: Employers Frustrated as Retirement Planning Responsibilities Shift
Elon Musk: New Immigration Bill ‘Enables Illegals to Vote’
Elon Musk is calling for prosecutions after the text for a new senate bill on immigration was released. Musk accused the new bill of “enabling illegals to vote.” Elon Musk: New Immigration Bill ‘Enables Illegals to Vote’
Colorado Officials Reject Sanctuary City Status, Warn Against ‘Dangerous Game’
With increasing numbers of migrants arriving in Colorado, public officials have rejected any notion of the state becoming a sanctuary for migrants and asylum seekers. Colorado Officials Reject Sanctuary City Status, Warn Against ‘Dangerous Game’
Disney Challenges DeSantis’ “Don’t Say Gay” Rule With a Hefty Lawsuit
Disney is set to appeal its refusal for a lawsuit against Ron DeSantis, who stripped the company of its rights for disagreeing with the Governor’s views on the teaching of sexual orientation in classrooms. Disney Challenges DeSantis’ “Don’t Say Gay” Rule With a Hefty Lawsuit
Trump on the Attack as 21 Million Americans Flock to Obamacare, Biden Pushes Forward
An unprecedented surge in health plan enrollments has reignited former President Donald Trump’s commitment to dismantling the program should he secure the GOP nomination once again. Trump on the Attack as 21 Million Americans Flock to Obamacare, Biden Pushes Forward
The post Is the Future of Journalism at Risk? L.A. Times Layoffs Raise Alarm first appeared on From Frugal to Free.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / BAZA Production.
The content of this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute or replace professional financial advice.
