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- Los Angeles Times owner Patrick Soon-Shiong has been criticized for altering an op-ed to favor Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination for U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services.
- The original op-ed by Dr. Eric Reinhart was highly critical of Kennedy, but the published version had a misleading title and omitted key criticisms.
- This incident follows a series of controversies surrounding Soon-Shiong’s editorial decisions and his push for more balanced coverage.
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Essential Context
Patrick Soon-Shiong, the owner of the Los Angeles Times, has faced intense criticism for his recent editorial decisions. The latest controversy involves an op-ed written by Dr. Eric Reinhart, which was significantly altered to present a more favorable view of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination for U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services.
Core Players
- Patrick Soon-Shiong – Los Angeles Times owner and biotech billionaire
- Dr. Eric Reinhart – Political anthropologist and psychoanalytic clinician, author of the op-ed
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr. – Nominee for U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, known for anti-vaccine views
- Los Angeles Times – Major U.S. newspaper under Soon-Shiong’s ownership since 2018
Key Numbers
- 2018: Year Soon-Shiong purchased the Los Angeles Times
- 20,000: Estimated number of subscribers who dropped the Times after Soon-Shiong blocked an editorial endorsing Kamala Harris
- $500 million: Initial investment by Soon-Shiong to buy the Times and the San Diego Union-Tribune
- $250 million: Amount set aside by Soon-Shiong for renovations and new projects at the Times
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The Catalyst
Dr. Eric Reinhart’s op-ed, originally titled “RFK Jr’s Wrecking Ball Won’t Fix Public Health,” was altered by the Los Angeles Times editors. The published version, titled “Trump’s Healthcare Disruption Could Pay Off—If He Pushes Real Reform,” omitted key criticisms of Kennedy and presented a misleadingly positive tone.
Reinhart expressed his outrage on social media, calling the editors’ actions “pretty shitty” and stating that his original draft made his stance on Kennedy “not remotely ambiguous.”
Inside Forces
Patrick Soon-Shiong has been at the center of several controversies since buying the Los Angeles Times in 2018. He blocked the editorial board from endorsing Kamala Harris for president, leading to significant subscriber losses and staff resignations.
Soon-Shiong has advocated for a more balanced approach in the newspaper’s coverage, aiming to include more moderate and conservative voices. However, this has been met with criticism from many who see it as a capitulation to conservative interests.
Power Dynamics
Soon-Shiong’s influence over the editorial content is substantial. As the owner, he has the final say in what is published and has used this power to shape the newspaper’s stance on various issues.
The alteration of Reinhart’s op-ed highlights the tension between Soon-Shiong’s vision for balanced coverage and the concerns of writers and readers who feel this balance is skewed toward favoring conservative views.
Outside Impact
The controversy has broader implications for media integrity and the public’s trust in journalism. Readers are increasingly skeptical of biased reporting, and such incidents exacerbate these concerns.
The impact is also felt within the newspaper itself, with staff morale and trust in editorial leadership being eroded by such actions.
Future Forces
As the media landscape continues to evolve, Soon-Shiong’s approach to editorial balance will be closely watched. The introduction of a “bias meter” to alert readers about ideological tilt in articles is part of his strategy, but its effectiveness remains to be seen.
The long-term viability of the Los Angeles Times will depend on how it navigates these challenges and maintains its credibility with readers.
Data Points
- Dec. 15, 2024: Soon-Shiong’s interview where he discussed his plans to shake up the newspaper
- Jan. 31, 2025: Reinhart’s op-ed was published with the altered title and content
- 6 Pulitzer Prizes: Won by the Los Angeles Times during Soon-Shiong’s ownership
- $60/year: Cost of a direct digital subscription to the Los Angeles Times
- 150+: Number of people added to the newsroom since Soon-Shiong’s acquisition
The ongoing controversy surrounding Patrick Soon-Shiong’s editorial decisions highlights the challenges in maintaining journalistic integrity in a polarized media environment. As the Los Angeles Times navigates these issues, it must balance the need for diverse perspectives with the imperative of maintaining trust and credibility with its readers.
