Report: Layoffs Continue at The Los Angeles Times

The Los Angeles Times has undergone another round of layoffs, with cuts targeting the business side of the organization, specifically in operations and communications. 

The layoffs follow closely after an earlier event where 40 newsroom employees accepted buyouts, which occurred just weeks prior to this latest announcement.

Historically, The Los Angeles Times has faced significant financial challenges, leading to multiple rounds of layoffs in recent years. For example, in January 2024, the newspaper laid off at least 115 employees—more than 20% of its newsroom—due to a reported annual loss of $30 million to $40 million, as stated by owner Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong. 

This was one of the largest workforce reductions in the paper’s 142-year history and included both unionized and non-union staff. Earlier, in June 2023, over 70 positions were cut, representing about 13% of the newsroom at that time. These recurring cuts reflect ongoing struggles with declining subscriptions, advertising revenue, and the broader shift in the media industry away from traditional print models.

The latest layoffs appear to shift focus from the newsroom to operational and communications roles. This follows the pattern of cost-cutting measures to address persistent financial difficulties. The buyouts of 40 newsroom staffers, noted as occurring weeks before this latest round, suggest an attempt to reduce headcount voluntarily before resorting to additional involuntary layoffs.