L.A. Times To Post “Bias Meter” On Its News Stories

The Wrap reports:

Patrick Soon-Shiong’s plans to give the Los Angeles Times newsroom a rebirth continue to take shape, this time with the implementation of a so-called “bias meter.”

The L.A. Times owner explained his decision to add the artificial intelligence-backed feature with recent editorial board addition, Scott Jennings. The pair discussed the update — which could come as soon as January 2025 — on Jennings’ “Flyover Country” podcast on Wednesday.

“Whether in news or opinion … you have a bias meter,” Soon-Shiong said. “So that someone could understand as a reader that the source of the article has some level of bias.” He elaborated, “The reader can press a button and get both sides of that exact same story, based on that story, and then give comments.”

Read the full article. Soon-Shiong, you will recall, scuttled his paper’s planned endorsement of Kamala Harris, a move that was quickly copied by Washington Post owner Jeff Bezos. This move by the Los Angeles Times echoes Elon Musk’s declaration that “the people” are now the media.

Excited to welcome @ScottJenningsKY
to the @latimes new editorial board! His reasoned, fact-based approach perfectly aligns with our commitment to inclusivity. We are building a board of critical thinkers who foster dialogue, not division. Journalism must represent all voices.… https://t.co/fjkiSquSiF

— Dr. Pat Soon-Shiong (@DrPatSoonShiong) November 30, 2024