Journalism doesn't count. - Editor, Mid-Level Los Angeles Times Employee Review

1.0
29 Aug 2008
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The Times was once a leading American newspaper with a strong commitment to quality journalism. Good work is still done there, but there is much less of it.

Cons

The paper has fired a string of well-qualified and committed editors and publishers and promoted less qualified individuals willing to compromise standards for short-term gains that likely will cost dearly in the long run. Leadership, top to bottom, is poor, and few managers accept responsibility for their actions, preferring to take the easy way out and blame all on the owner. Although the current owner does seem to care little for journalism, he is accurate in criticizing a culture of entitlement that leads many, especially in middle and lower management, to believe that they are exempt from their profession's standards for ethical behavior and even the law. In-fighting among lower and middle managers is infamous, rewards, including pay and work load, are politically driven, and there is an extreme culture of "protect your own." The Times is a proving ground for minor-league players, not serious journalists.

Explore other reviews about Los Angeles Times

5.0
24 Feb 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The management was supportive and responsive. I never had any issues.

Cons

It is a far commute for those who are remote and need to work in the office.

4.0
7 Apr 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Good focus on long-form writing and journalism; lots of lovely people worked here and there was a nice community outside of the office; felt like a legit civic institution that people in L.A. care about.

Cons

Uneven management with unclear long-term priorities and conflicting top-down mandates. Not very willing to collaborate with the union.

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