Press Play with Madeleine Brand
A biotech billionaire and journalism vet aim to strengthen the LA Times
Local biotech billionaire Patrick Soon-Shiong paid $500 million for the Times, along with the San Diego Union Tribune and a few other local papers. He quickly hired Norman Pearlstine as the new executive editor for the Times.
By Madeleine Brand • • 48m ListenLocal biotech billionaire Patrick Soon-Shiong paid $500 million for the Times, along with the San Diego Union Tribune and a few other local papers. He quickly hired Norman Pearlstine as the new executive editor for the Times. Pearlstine has spent some 50 years in journalism. They plan to turn the paper around after years of turmoil, top editors coming and going, and low staff morale.
Image: (L) Patrick Soon-Shiong, the owner of LA Times, with (R) Norman Pearlstine, the executive editor of LA Times. Courtesy of NantWorks and LA Times.
In this episode
4 storiesDo undocumented immigrants have a right to due process?
President Trump tweeted on Sunday that immigrants caught crossing the border illegally should be immediately sent back. No court case, no appearance before a judge, no due process. Trump re-upped his rhetoric this morning.
Read the story10 minThe problems with LA County's child welfare agency
Ten-year-old Anthony Avalos died in Lancaster last week. He suffered head injuries and was covered in cigarette burns. For years, his home was flagged for potential abuse.
Read the story9 minIs Patrick Soon-Shiong willing to lose money to make the LA Times great again?
Local biotech billionaire Patrick Soon-Shiong paid $500 million for the Los Angeles Times, along with the San Diego Union Tribune and a few other local papers. He quickly hired Norman Pearlstine as the new executive editor for the Times.
Read the story17 minAstronauts in the time of private space exploration
President Trump wants a Space Force -- a sixth branch of the military -- to tackle space. He says, "It is not enough to merely have an American presence in space. We must have American dominance in space." The Pentagon will look into it.
Read the story13 min
