LA Times Makes Tang Executive Editor

The Los Angeles Times has named Terry Tang executive editor of the publication. She has led the L.A. Times newsroom since late January on an interim basis.

"The Los Angeles Times and its superb journalists make a difference every day in the life of California and this nation," Tang said. "It's an honor to have the opportunity to lead an institution that serves our community and to make our work indispensable to our readers."

Tang is the first woman to lead the newsroom in The Times' 142-year history. She joined the L.A. Times as an op-ed editor in 2019. She was promoted to op-ed and Sunday Opinion editor in 2020 and editor of the editorial page in 2022.

"We made a decision in December to make changes in leadership to revitalize the L.A. Times," said Patrick and Michele Soon-Shiong, owners of the TImes. "Terry in short order has demonstrated the capability of building on our legacy of excellence in journalism with stories that matter. She understands our mission to be a thriving pillar of democracy and the critical role that the L.A. Times' voice plays - to our city, and to the world - in bringing attention to issues that matter most, especially for those whose voices are often unheard. She also understands how vital it is that we connect the community with our journalism, better engage with our readers and build new audiences as we seek to transform The Times into a self-sustaining institution."

Prior to the L.A. Times, Tang served as director of publications and editorial at the American Civil Liberties Union. She also worked at The New York Times for 20 years in positions including deputy editorial page editor, op-ed editor, assistant editorial page editor and editorial writer. She also co-founded and edited Room for Debate, an online platform for rapid-response commentary. She started her journalism career in Seattle, where she was an editorial writer and columnist at the Seattle Times and a reporter at the Seattle Weekly.

Before Tang was named interim executive editor, 115 staffers were laid off in January. The former executive editor, Kevin Merida, resigned that same month after a two-and-a-half years long tenure. His departure ensued after disagreements with Patrick Soon-Shiong over his role as executive editor and the extent of newsroom cuts.