LA Times, MSNBC, WaPo staff fear execs made editorial decisions to appease Trump

Recent discussions among journalists at major U.S. news organizations, including the Los Angeles Times and NBC, have raised concerns about potential self-censorship aimed at appeasing former President Donald Trump. The Los Angeles Times faced internal turmoil when owner Patrick Soon-Shiong blocked an editorial endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris, leading to the resignation of the editorials editor and two other board members. Critics argue that this decision reflects a broader trend of media executives accommodating Trump to avoid conflict, especially as he remains a significant political figure ahead of the upcoming election. Similarly, at NBC, there are worries that a documentary on Trump's border policies will not air until after the election, which some staff believe is politically motivated. The Washington Post is also under scrutiny, as its editorial board has not yet decided on a presidential endorsement, a departure from its historical practice. Concerns about the influence of ownership on editorial decisions are heightened by the business interests of media executives, which may be affected by government actions. This situation has led to accusations of "anticipatory obedience," where media outlets may compromise their journalistic integrity to avoid antagonizing Trump.

- Concerns about self-censorship in major news organizations regarding Trump.

- The Los Angeles Times faced internal resignations over blocked editorial endorsements.

- NBC's documentary on Trump's policies delayed until after the election, raising political concerns.

- The Washington Post has not confirmed a presidential endorsement, breaking a long-standing tradition.

- Media executives' business interests may influence editorial decisions and coverage.