The Los Angeles Times newspaper headquarters is located in El Segundo, Calif., Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024. The Los Angeles Times plans to lay off 94 newsroom employees starting Tuesday, according to the h
In a significant blow to the Los Angeles Times, the renowned newspaper announced its plans to lay off at least 115 employees, which translates to over 20% of its newsroom staff. This move marks one of the largest staff cuts in the newspaper's 143-year history.
The decision to implement these layoffs comes on the heels of a walkout by the LA Times Guild last Friday. This action represented the first-ever newsroom union work stoppage at the institution. Matt Pearce, president of the Media Guild of the West, expressed his disappointment, labeling Tuesday as a 'dark day.' He revealed that at least 94 union members would be let go as a result.
Many departments and clusters within the newsroom will face substantial impacts, according to Pearce. However, he also noted that the total number of layoffs is still lower than what the Bargaining Committee had anticipated. In an attempt to soften the blow, some of the individuals facing termination may be eligible for buyouts in accordance with the union contract.
LA Times Guild protested with a work stoppage against the layoffs.The Los Angeles Times newspaper headquarters is located in El Segundo, Calif., Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024. The Los Angeles Times plans to lay off 94 newsroom employees starting Tuesday, according to the head of the journalists' union who said the number, while substantial, is less than feared. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)The Los Angeles Times newspaper logo is seen at their headquarters located in El Segundo, Calif., Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024. The Los Angeles Times plans to lay off 94 newsroom employees starting Tuesday, according to the head of the journalists' union who said the number, while substantial, is less than feared. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)Some laid-off employees may be eligible for buyouts under the union contract.Sonja Sharp, Metro reporter for the Los Angeles Times, talks during a rally in downtown Los Angeles, Friday, Jan. 19, 2024. Guild members of the Los Angeles Times participated in one-day walkout to protest imminent layoffs. The job action Friday is the first newsroom union work stoppage in the history of the newspaper, which began printing in 1881. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)Myung Chun, center and Irfan Khan, right, photographers for Los Angeles Times, join a rally in downtown Los Angeles. Friday, Jan. 19, 2024. Guild members of the Los Angeles Times participated in one-day walkout to protest imminent layoffs. The job action Friday is the first newsroom union work stoppage in the history of the newspaper, which began printing in 1881. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)Georgia Geen, multiplatform editor for the Los Angeles Times, joins other staffers and supporter carrying signs and chanting slogans in front of City Hall, Friday, Jan. 19, 2024, in Los Angeles, Guild members of the Los Angeles Times participated in one-day walkout to protest imminent layoffs. The job action Friday is the first newsroom union work stoppage in the history of the newspaper, which began printing in 1881. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)Staff and supporters of the Los Angeles Times carry signs and chant slogans across the street from Los Angeles City Hall during a rally on Friday, Jan. 19, 2024. Guild members of the Los Angeles Times have participated in one-day walkout to protest imminent layoffs. The job action Friday is the first newsroom union work stoppage in the history of the newspaper, which began printing in 1881. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)Staff and supporters of the Los Angeles Times carry signs across the street from Los Angeles City Hall during a rally on Friday, Jan. 19, 2024. Guild members of the Los Angeles Times have participated in one-day walkout to protest imminent layoffs. The job action Friday is the first newsroom union work stoppage in the history of the newspaper, which began printing in 1881. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)Matt Hamilton, an investigative reporter for the Los Angeles Times, talks to staff and supporters during a rally in downtown Los Angeles on Friday, Jan. 19, 2024. Guild members of the Los Angeles Times participated in one-day walkout to protest imminent layoffs. The job action Friday is the first newsroom union work stoppage in the history of the newspaper, which began printing in 1881. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)
The layoffs also affected senior editors, photographers, and members of the video unit, as the newspaper sought to restructure its operations. The motivation behind these cuts stems from the Los Angeles Times' inability to sustain annual losses of up to $40 million without a substantial increase in advertising and subscription revenue, stated Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, the paper's owner.
While acknowledging the pain that accompanies such decisions, Soon-Shiong emphasized the urgency to take action and build a sustainable and thriving paper for future generations. He expressed his commitment to this cause, stating, 'We are committed to doing so.'
These recent layoffs and buyouts serve as further evidence of the turbulent times faced by the news industry in recent years. Major media companies such as The Washington Post, NPR, CNN, and Vox Media have all been forced to downsize their workforce. According to Challenger, Gray and Christmas, an employment firm, approximately 2,681 news industry jobs were lost by the end of November, surpassing the numbers for both 2021 and 2022.
This latest round of job cuts follows a similar wave last June when over 70 positions, amounting to approximately 13% of the newsroom, were eliminated. The union released a statement attributing these staffing cuts to years of mediocre strategy, a lack of publisher, and an absence of clear direction within the organization. However, they expressed gratitude towards the Soon-Shiong family for their investment and pledged to remain committed to being good-faith partners.
Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, a prominent biotech billionaire, acquired the Los Angeles Times in 2018, initiating local ownership after it was sold to Tribune Co. two decades ago. The purchase instilled hope for the newspaper after years of declining circulation, budget cuts, and changes in leadership. However, earlier this month, Executive Editor Kevin Merida abruptly left his position after holding it for 2 ½ years.
In the wake of these layoffs, the union's bargaining committee is scheduled to meet with Times management on Wednesday to commence discussions in accordance with the contract. While the road ahead is undoubtedly challenging, both the union and management retain the shared goal of ensuring the newspaper's continued relevance and success in the ever-evolving media landscape.
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