Patrick Soon-Shiong, the biotech billionaire and owner of the Los Angeles Times, has announced plans to introduce an AI-driven “bias meter” to the newspaper. The tool, set for release in January, will allow readers to assess the level of bias in news articles and view multiple perspectives on a story. In a bid to promote transparency, the Los Angeles Times will introduce ‘bias meter’ to highlight the perspectives behind their stories. Soon-Shiong, who acquired the Times in 2018, revealed the development during a podcast hosted by Scott Jennings, a new member of the Times editorial board.
Soon-Shiong explained that the AI meter would enable readers to identify potential biases in articles. The system, powered by the same augmented intelligence technology he has been developing for healthcare applications since 2010, will offer readers both sides of a news story at the click of a button. This initiative aims to combat “confirmation bias” and give the public a more well-rounded view of current events.
“Readers can press a button and get both sides of that exact same story, based on that story,” Soon-Shiong said, emphasizing the importance of fostering open discourse.
Response to Criticism and Editorial Changes
Soon-Shiong’s comments have drawn mixed reactions. The Los Angeles Times Guild, which represents the newsroom staff, condemned his remarks, asserting that the paper’s journalists adhere to strict ethical guidelines. They expressed concern that Soon-Shiong’s statements implied bias without offering supporting evidence.
The announcement of the “bias meter” follows a series of controversial decisions by Soon-Shiong, including blocking the Times’ editorial board from endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election. This move sparked a wave of resignations and protests within the editorial team, with staff members voicing their opposition to the owner’s interference in editorial decisions.
Push for a More Balanced Editorial Voice
The Los Angeles Times will introduce ‘bias meter’ to provide a clearer view of how stories are shaped by different viewpoints. Soon-Shiong has made it clear that he wants to reshape the Los Angeles Times, particularly its editorial stance. He acknowledged that the paper’s editorial board had leaned to the left and promised to introduce more conservative and centrist viewpoints. He aims to balance the newspaper’s opinion section to better reflect a range of political perspectives.
“I think in order to have balance, you need to have somebody who would trend right, and more importantly, somebody that would trend in the middle,” Soon-Shiong said in a recent interview.
Controversy Over Editorial Independence
Soon-Shiong’s management style has caused tension within the Times. Several editorial board members resigned after he decided to withhold the endorsement of Harris. The Times’ editorial board had endorsed Democratic presidential candidates since 2008, but the 2024 endorsement was canceled just weeks before the election.
The billionaire also faced criticism for his decision to pre-screen headlines for opinion pieces and restructure the editorial board. His moves are seen as part of a broader effort to align the paper’s political stance with his vision for balanced reporting.
Introducing the “bias meter” marks a significant step in Soon-Shiong’s plans to overhaul the Los Angeles Times. While details of the meter’s functionality remain unclear, the tool aims to provide a more comprehensive and unbiased view of the news. Soon-Shiong hopes to create a platform where readers can engage in respectful discourse and better understand different perspectives on important issues.
The Los Angeles Times will introduce ‘bias meter’ in 2024 to help readers identify the level of bias in news articles. However, the “bias meter” raises several concerns, particularly regarding the editorial integrity of the Los Angeles Times. Critics argue that the initiative could undermine the paper’s credibility by suggesting that its journalists harbor bias, without providing concrete examples to support such claims. The Los Angeles Times Guild has already expressed its discomfort with Soon-Shiong’s public statements, emphasizing the paper’s commitment to fairness, precision, and transparency.
Also Read: Apple Struggles With AI Development in China Amid Privacy Challenges.
