The Los Angeles Times Cuts Deep, Laying Off 115 Journalists, Disproportionately Affecting Journalists of Color
A Devastating Blow to the Newsroom
In a move that sent waves of shock through the journalism industry, the Los Angeles Times, a prominent U.S. newspaper, made the earth-shattering decision to lay off over 115 journalists, leaving its newsroom with gaping holes and severely jeopardizing its coverage of marginalized communities.
The Los Angeles Times Guild, the union representing the paper’s journalists, expressed outrage and disappointment over the decision, highlighting the disproportionate impact it had on journalists of color. The layoffs heavily affected journalists from the Black, AAPI, and Latino Caucuses, leaving the Times’ ability to serve these crucial segments of the Los Angeles community severely diminished. The Guild also criticized the company’s failure to offer voluntary buyouts as a means of preventing the layoffs.
Gutting the Coverage of Underserved Communities
One of the most significant casualties of the layoffs was De Los, a vertical launched by the Times in 2023 to focus on the city’s substantial Latino population. The entire team dedicated to covering this demographic was let go, leaving a significant void in the paper’s capacity to serve this critical segment of the Los Angeles community.
Jeong Park, who joined the Times in 2022 to cover Asian American communities, was also among those laid off. Her departure further diminished the paper’s capacity to provide in-depth reporting on the experiences and challenges faced by Asian Americans in Los Angeles.
A String of High-Profile Resignations
The layoffs followed a series of high-profile resignations from the Times’ leadership. Kevin Merida, the paper’s first Black executive editor, stepped down earlier in January, signaling the turmoil within the newsroom. Sara Yasin, the Palestinian American managing editor, and Shani Hilton, the Black managing editor, also recently resigned, further exacerbating the sense of uncertainty and instability.
A Work Stoppage in Protest
In response to the impending layoffs, editors and other members of the L.A. Times Guild staged a walkout on Friday, marking the first work stoppage in the newsroom’s 143-year history. The protest reflected the depth of anger and frustration among the staff over the company’s decision to resort to layoffs.
Financial Woes and the Struggle for Sustainability
The Times’ owner, billionaire Patrick Soon-Shiong, attributed the layoffs to the paper’s financial struggles, claiming it was losing $30 million to $40 million annually. He emphasized his substantial investment of nearly $1 billion into the newspaper since acquiring it in 2018, underscoring his dedication to preserving its legacy and securing its future.
Soon-Shiong expressed the painful nature of the decision but stressed the urgency of taking steps to ensure the paper’s long-term sustainability and viability.
A Dark Day for Journalism
Matt Pearce, the president of the Media Guild of the West, representing journalists across Southern California, Texas, and Arizona, characterized the layoffs as a “dark day” for journalism. He noted that while the final number of layoffs was lower than initially anticipated, it would still have a devastating impact on various departments and clusters within the newsroom.
The Loss of Institutional Memory and Expertise
The layoffs particularly affected journalists hired after the police murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis in May 2020. In the wake of this incident, the Times, like many media outlets, invested in expanding its coverage of marginalized communities. Consequently, these newer hires, who brought fresh perspectives and expertise, were disproportionately impacted by the layoffs.
The cuts also affected staff members in the Washington bureau, as well as those working on the business and breaking news desks, further diminishing the paper’s ability to provide comprehensive coverage across a range of critical areas.
A Wider Trend in Media Layoffs
The layoffs at the Los Angeles Times are part of a broader trend of job losses in the media industry. Just a week prior, Spanish-language network Univision laid off more than 200 employees, including on-air talent. These developments underscore the challenges facing the media landscape in the digital age and the ongoing struggle to maintain financial stability while preserving journalistic integrity.
A Commitment to a Vibrant Democracy
Despite the setbacks, the Los Angeles Times Guild remains committed to the paper’s vital role in a vibrant democracy. The union recognizes the importance of a strong and independent press in holding leaders accountable, celebrating achievements, and amplifying the voices of the community. However, the Guild emphasizes that a newspaper cannot fulfill this role effectively when its staff is severely depleted.
The Need for a First-Class Newsroom
Los Angeles, a diverse and dynamic city, deserves a first-class newsroom capable of providing comprehensive and impactful coverage. The layoffs have left a gaping void in the Times’ ability to fulfill this critical function, raising concerns about the future of local journalism and its ability to serve the community’s needs.