Report: LAT Owner Considers Conservative Brand Extension

Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong

Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, the billionaire who bought the Los Angeles Times in 2018, is reportedly teaming up with Republican strategist Eric Beach to launch a new digital news platform tentatively named LAT Next. 

The service is said to lean into MAGA territory, featuring controversial commentator Candace Owens and CNN’s pro-Trump pundit Scott Jennings. According to the Status newsletter, this move comes after Soon-Shiong pushed the Times to ditch its left-leaning stance, a decision that caused a newsroom uproar, especially when he nixed the editorial board’s endorsement of Kamala Harris before the November 5 election.

LAT Next, unlike the Times, will focus on digital content and cater to a conservative audience, per Status’ Oliver Darcy. 

Candace Owens

Owens, who’s stirred up trouble with comments on Israel and Jews—most recently splitting from The Daily Wire after remarks labeled antisemitic—will be a key figure. Jennings, already known for sparring with left-leaning CNN talking heads, has also joined the Times editorial board after multiple resignations tied to the Harris endorsement fiasco.

Though it shares some branding with the Times, LAT Next is apparently a standalone operation, but the exact ties between the two are murky. Social media has dropped hints about the project, with Soon-Shiong recently confirming Jennings’ role. Other potential names in the mix include Ana Kasparian, a progressive who’s been vocal against certain left-wing ideas.

The venture is reportedly rattling Times staff, especially as management dangles buyouts for employees with over two years at the paper. 

Details on LAT Next’s content are thin, but video is expected to be a big piece, with whispers of a talk show styled like “The View.” Eric Beach is said to be hunting for co-hosts, and Trump-supporting “SNL” alum Rob Schneider had previously pitched Soon-Shiong a similar conservative talk show concept.