News Corp’s New York Post Media Group (NYPMG), a subsidiary of Rupert Murdoch’s media conglomerate, is set to launch The California Post, a new daily newspaper based in Los Angeles, in early 2026.
This initiative aims to capitalize on the New York Post’s significant West Coast readership and address the shrinking local news landscape in California. Below is a detailed overview of the launch, its strategic objectives, and the challenges it faces, based on available information.
The California Post is scheduled to debut in early 2026, with its headquarters in Los Angeles, where the New York Post has its second-largest readership base, with 90% of its digital audience located outside New York.
The publication will be led by Chris Papps, a News Corp veteran who served as the company’s West Coast correspondent in Los Angeles for nearly three years. NYPMG plans to hire a dedicated team of editors, reporters, and photographers in California, while also expanding its commercial team to secure West Coast sponsors and advertisers.
Distribution: The paper will combine digital platforms with a traditional print edition, aiming to reach both online readers and those preferring physical newspapers. Specific distribution details, such as print circulation or digital platform specifics, have not been fully disclosed.
The launch comes amid a significant decline in California’s news ecosystem. The Los Angeles Times cut 115 staffers in January 2024 and 74 in 2023 due to falling ad revenue, while LAist laid off 24 employees in 2024 and 21 in 2023. LA Weekly also saw major staff exits after a buyout announcement in March 2024. The California Post aims to capture this underserved market by providing a robust daily news alternative.