In 2012, the Tribune Co., which owned the Los Angeles Times, was emerging from a long Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Sam Zell, the then-owner, called it a “deal from hell.” Around that time, Rupert Murdoch considered buying the Times but ultimately passed, focusing instead on separating his less profitable papers from his more successful ventures.
Fast forward to today, and Murdoch’s interest in newspapers is as strong as ever. On August 4, his company, News Corp, announced plans to launch The California Post, a new daily tabloid aimed at Los Angeles. This step is quite surprising in an age where traditional media seems to be fading. The city currently has The Los Angeles Times as its sole major daily, serving a vast metropolitan area of 3.8 million residents.
News Corp’s strategy isn’t just random. The New York Post has had success in New York alongside its rival, the progressive New York Daily News. The Daily News has struggled under Alden Global Capital’s ownership, a firm often criticized for cutting content to boost profits. In Los Angeles, the only other daily paper, The Daily News in the San Fernando Valley, is also owned by Alden, with limited reach.
As for circulation numbers, The New York Post leads the pack with about 515,883 weekday copies, outperforming other major papers such as The Wall Street Journal and The Los Angeles Times. This impressive figure reflects News Corp’s commitment to growing its readership, including trying to get suburban households to subscribe—a model many papers have abandoned.
Online, The Post has built a strong presence, attracting over 50 million unique monthly visitors. This gives it a vast audience compared to rivals like The Daily Mail and gives it an edge over The Los Angeles Times as well.
With these new developments, the spotlight shifts to Los Angeles Times owner Patrick Soon-Shiong. Following a tumultuous year, including the departure of editor Kevin Merida, Soon-Shiong is contemplating the future direction of the paper. Questions remain about potential shifts in tone, coverage, and even incorporating new technologies to engage readers.
Currently, The Los Angeles Times holds a dominant position in local news. It has proven its worth during significant events, providing critical coverage in the face of emergencies and community issues. Yet, this stability may soon be challenged by The California Post, led by seasoned editors familiar with Murdoch’s vision.
It’s been nearly a decade since a new major newspaper launched in L.A. The last attempt, the Los Angeles Register, failed within a few months. Many believe that The California Post, with its anticipated focus on a more conservative viewpoint and celebrity culture, might stand a better chance. Just like the New York Post thrives as a cheeky counterpart to the New York Times, it seems likely that The California Post could become a lively competitor for The Los Angeles Times.
The endgame for all of this? It’s a matter of how the Times adapts and positions itself against new competition in a rapidly evolving landscape.
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