LA Times owner appoints conservative CNN pundit Scott Jennings to editorial board
SUMMARY
The Los Angeles Times has appointed Scott Jennings, a conservative CNN pundit, to its editorial board, signaling a move toward greater ideological diversity. Owner Pat Soon-Shiong confirmed the decision, emphasizing the importance of balanced, fact-based perspectives. Soon-Shiong described Jennings as a critical thinker whose thoughtful approach to debate aligns with the paper's goals. Jennings, who has previously contributed columns to the LA Times, expressed enthusiasm about joining the storied publication, advocating for strong journalism and diverse opinion pages. The move follows the paper's decision not to endorse Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election and reflects a broader shift in the media landscape after Donald Trump's victory. Soon-Shiong also indicated plans to clearly separate news from opinion in the Times, aiming to enhance journalistic integrity and reader trust. The changes come amid industry-wide challenges and restructuring.