Patrick Soon-Shiong, owner of The Los Angeles Times, has announced plans to launch a tech-driven “bias meter” for the newspaper’s website in early 2024, aiming to present readers with multiple viewpoints on stories and foster a more balanced understanding of news. The initiative is part of a broader effort by Soon-Shiong to reshape the publication as the second Trump administration begins and amid internal shifts in the paper’s editorial approach.
The “Bias Meter” Concept
Soon-Shiong detailed the “bias meter” in a recent radio interview, explaining that it would allow readers to identify potential biases in articles and access alternative perspectives at the press of a button. The tool would integrate a comment system to encourage discourse, which he described as equally important to the stories themselves.
“We need to address confirmation bias,” Soon-Shiong said, emphasizing the need for readers to see “both sides” of an issue. He hinted at a January 2024 launch and framed the feature as part of a broader effort to ensure transparency and credibility in journalism.
A Controversial Move
The announcement has drawn criticism from Los Angeles Times staff. The editorial guild issued a statement saying Soon-Shiong’s comments implied that the newsroom harbors bias, despite a lack of evidence. The guild reaffirmed its commitment to fairness and transparency in reporting.
Precedents and Similar Tools
The concept of a “bias meter” is not entirely new:
- NewsGuard offers browser extensions with “nutrition labels” rating the credibility and political leanings of news sites.
- A Starting Point, a project by actor Chris Evans, presents bipartisan viewpoints on news topics.
- The Messenger, a now-defunct news startup, had explored AI-driven tools to detect bias.
Soon-Shiong’s plan builds on these ideas but seeks to integrate such functionality directly into The Los Angeles Timesplatform.
Harris Endorsement Fallout
The bias meter discussion follows Soon-Shiong’s controversial decision to scrap the paper’s endorsement of Kamala Harris for president, citing concerns about the editorial board’s process. He criticized the endorsement as prepackaged without input from candidates and reflective of an “echo chamber.”
This decision led to resignations within the editorial board, including Karin Klein, who criticized the timing as a de facto endorsement of Donald Trump by omission. Klein argued that the move undermined the neutrality Soon-Shiong sought to promote.
Looking Ahead
As Soon-Shiong moves to reshape The Los Angeles Times, the bias meter initiative will likely be a defining feature of his efforts to modernize the publication and rebuild trust with a polarized readership. However, it also raises questions about how technology will influence journalism and the paper’s editorial independence.
