The Los Angeles Times could soon introduce an artificial intelligence-powered "bias meter" to help readers identify the level of bias in news and opinion pieces, according to the paper's owner, Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong. Soon-Shiong, a billionaire tech entrepreneur and doctor who purchased the Times in 2018, made the announcement during an interview with conservative commentator Scott Jennings on The Mike Gallagher Show.
The move is part of Soon-Shiong's larger efforts to overhaul the paper, which he believes has "conflated news and opinion." He has expressed a desire for the Times to provide a more balanced view of stories and to foster respectful discourse among readers. The "bias meter" is expected to launch as soon as January and will allow readers to access both sides of a story with the click of a button.
However, not all members of the Times' staff have welcomed Soon-Shiong's changes. Some liberal staff members have resigned in response to the owner's decision not to endorse a candidate in the 2024 presidential race, breaking a tradition that dates back to the 1880s. Soon-Shiong defended his decision, stating that he wanted the paper to be a trusted source based on facts rather than an "echo chamber."
To further diversify the Times' editorial board, Soon-Shiong appointed conservative commentator Scott Jennings as a member. Jennings, a former aide to President George W. Bush and CNN commentator, has expressed his intention to represent Americans who feel marginalized by legacy media.
Overall, the introduction of the "bias meter" and other changes at the Los Angeles Times reflect a larger trend in the media industry towards transparency and balance. It remains to be seen how readers will respond to these new features and whether they will enhance the paper's credibility and appeal.