Los Angeles Times announces significant staff cuts and organizational restructuring

The Los Angeles Times reported Tuesday that it was laying off at least 115 people — or around 20% of the newsroom — in one of the most significant workforce squeezes in the history of the 142-year-old company.

Economic Challenges Lead to Drastic Measures

Facing projections of substantial losses for the upcoming year, the Los Angeles Times has announced significant staff cuts and a restructuring of its organization. 

The newspaper, owned by Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, stated that the cuts were necessary due to the unsustainable annual losses of $30 million to $40 million. 

Dr. Soon-Shiong emphasized the need for urgent action to build a sustainable and thriving paper for future generations.

Focus on Strengthening Journalism

Dr. Soon-Shiong highlighted the importance of implementing drastic changes, including appointing new leaders, to strengthen the outlet’s journalism and make it indispensable to a broader readership. The goal is to attract advertising and subscriptions to sustain the organization.

Impact on Editorial Leadership and Departments

As part of the staff cuts, several key editorial positions were eliminated, including Washington bureau chief Kimbriell Kelly, deputy Washington bureau chief Nick Baumann, business editor Jeff Bercovici, books editor Boris Kachka, and music editor Craig Marks. 

The Washington bureau, as well as the photography and sports departments, witnessed significant cuts, including the departure of award-winning photographers. The video unit also experienced substantial reductions.

Challenges Despite Previous Growth Period

The retrenchment follows almost six years since Dr. Soon-Shiong’s family purchased The Times and the San Diego Union-Tribune from Tribune Publishing for $500 million. 

While Dr. Soon-Shiong’s ownership initially led to a period of growth and hiring, economic challenges, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on advertising revenue, disrupted the turnaround. The recent staff cuts reflect the ongoing challenges faced by the newspaper.

Commitment to Building a Sustainable Future

Despite the painful decision to reduce staff, Dr. Soon-Shiong expressed a commitment to building a sustainable and thriving newspaper for the next generation. 

The retrenchment underscores the need for a strategic approach to navigate economic headwinds and reinforce the newspaper’s position in the evolving media landscape.