LA Times owner says he is looking for conservative commentators to balance out opinion section

Los Angeles Times owner Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong on Thursday night said that he was looking to hire conservative voices to help balance out the editorial section of his newspaper.

Soon-Shiong previously stated that he would be working to make the newspaper more fair moving forward, after deciding not to endorse a presidential candidate in the 2024 elections. 

Several newspaper owners withheld endorsements in the 2024 elections, with Washington Post owner Jeff Bezos claiming it gave the appearance of bias, even in the editorial section. Bezos also cited a Gallup poll that found the media was trusted less than Congress.

Soon-Shiong said he was specifically looking for influential conservative voices like Scott Jennings at CNN. Jennings has been a commentator on the left-leaning outlet since 2017.

“I think it’s important for us to differentiate the editorial board is responsible for these opinions on these voices," Soon-Shiong told Fox News. "So, right now, we don’t have an editorial board if we are truly honest about ourselves that are balanced. And so, I’ve gotten beaten up about fair and balance.”

The LA Times owner also said he believes the shift is important because it would better reflect the views of readers now that President-elect Donald Trump is slated to return to the White House in January.

“I think it’s important because the editors are responsible of stories that are told and stories that are not told. Editors have these nuances of the word hatred versus could the president-elect make a real impact,” he continued. “And we need views from both sides. And my goal is not to change that entire editorial board for that perspective.”

Misty Severi is an evening news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.