President Joe Biden expressed concerns over the changing media environment during a recent interview, criticizing the influence of billionaire owners on major newspapers and lamenting the loss of traditional editorial oversight. Speaking with Ben Meiselas of MeidasTouch, Biden stated, "Technology is changing everything," highlighting the challenges of disseminated information and the reduced involvement of editorial staff who typically enforce accountability and quality control over news coverage.
During the conversation, Biden was questioned about the lack of positive narratives surrounding his economic policies, contrasting it with the focus on political campaigning. He delivered pointed criticism of billionaire media moguls who have transformed reputable newspapers, mentioning actions taken by notable figures like Jeff Bezos, the owner of The Washington Post, and Patrick Soon-Shiong, the billionaire owner of the Los Angeles Times.
Biden remarked, "You have billionaires buying standard newspapers... and saying we're not going to do it anymore," referring to the recent trend wherein newspaper editorial boards have been forbidden from endorsing certain key political figures and candidates. This is particularly significant considering the Times’ refusal to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris during the 2024 election — typically something the publication would have done as part of its liberal leaning.
This decision sparked outrage from the editorial board and numerous journalists at the Los Angeles Times, leading to the resignation of several board members and prompting about 20,000 subscribers to cancel their subscriptions. Soon-Shiong defended his choice, arguing for the necessity of neutrality. He stressed, "The only way you can survive is to not be an echo chamber of one side," indicating his commitment to ensuring diverse perspectives are represented within the paper.
By striving for this balance, Soon-Shiong aims to generate a broader readership base, as he recognizes the pressure on media outlets to remain relevant amid shifting political landscapes. He noted, "But something has to change if all this is [being] considered a philanthropic trust. It’s not. A sustainable business has to occur." His tougher editorial stance marks one of the latest moves by media leaders to attract and maintain audiences with varying political ideologies.
Meanwhile, The Washington Post also experienced the restrictive grip of its billionaire owner. When Bezos quashed the editorial board's endorsement of Harris, it led to considerable discontent among its membership. Historically, the Post had previously endorsed candidates like Hillary Clinton and Biden, making this abrupt pivot toward neutrality look unsettling for many liberal readers familiar with its past stances.
The upheaval resulting from the influence of megabucks on editorial independence raises questions about the future of political journalism. The role of editors has evidently dwindled as the press adapts to new ownership landscapes. Biden noted, "It's hard; there are very few editors anymore, very few editors saying you can't write this," reflecting on the diminished checks-and-balances approach to news dissemination, which could stifle public discourse.
This recent shift is not merely modern; it taps deep roots, as the Los Angeles Times significantly evolved from its conservative origins — marked by past violence against its staff due to its controversial editorial choices. With echoes of its tumultuous foundation, the paper lies at the intersection of balancing legacy and contemporary demands. While its owners pursue viability within the media ecosystem, it remains to be seen whether these compromises will quell criticism or lead to greater division among readers.
Despite the challenges, Soon-Shiong declared, “Those who cancel [their] subscription should respect the fact there may be two views on certain points,” urging for dialogue and mutual respect as he attempts to guide the publication toward broader acceptance across the political spectrum. Yet, with partisan tensions rising, his plan to incorporate more conservative voices might challenge the publication’s identities and commitments.
These media dynamics reflect larger themes within contemporary American society: Can traditional journalism survive the disruptive fortunes of billionaires, or are we heading toward a new media order where the truth is redefined by those with the deepest pockets?
