KQED's Forum
Washington Post, LA Times Pulling Harris Endorsements Spark Outrage
Oct 30, 2024
Mariel Garza, a journalist and former editorial editor of the Los Angeles Times, discusses the editorial board's internal conflicts over endorsements. David Folkenflik from NPR highlights the influence of billionaire ownership in media. Sewell Chan, from the Columbia Journalism Review, delves into the broader implications of not endorsing candidates, questioning media integrity and public trust. The trio examines why endorsements matter in a polarized landscape and the ethical dilemmas faced by journalists when balancing personal beliefs with professional duties.
57:50
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Quick takeaways
- The decision by the Washington Post and LA Times to withhold endorsements for Kamala Harris raises concerns about ownership influence on editorial integrity.
- The backlash over these non-endorsements highlights the public's demand for journalistic accountability amidst fears of elitism and perceived bias.
Deep dives
Editorial Independence and Ownership Influence
The recent decision by the Washington Post and the Los Angeles Times not to endorse Kamala Harris for president highlights the tension between editorial independence and the influence of newspaper owners. Both publications had prepared endorsements, but Jeff Bezos and Patrick Soon-Shiong, the respective owners, opted against them, citing a desire for perceived impartiality. This reversal has raised concerns about how ownership can impact editorial decisions, particularly in a politically charged climate. Critics argue that such decisions appear to serve the interests of the owners over the journalistic values of accountability and democratic engagement.
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