Interim LA Times editor Terry Tang talks layoffs, losing journalists of color

The Los Angeles Times, one of America’s most prestigious newspapers, has recently faced a wave of significant layoffs, affecting many young, minority staff members. However, in the midst of this turmoil, the paper has made history by appointing Terry Tang as its first female executive editor. In an interview with NBC News, Tang acknowledged the challenges she faces but expressed her excitement about taking on the role.

Tang has an impressive background in journalism, having spent 4½ years at the LA Times, where she previously led the Opinions section. Before that, she worked at The New York Times for two decades, holding various positions in both the editorial section and the newsroom. Tang takes over from Kevin Merida, who recently stepped down along with several other top editors.

Terry Tang. Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times

This week, the LA Times unfortunately had to issue layoff notices to around 120 journalists, which accounts for a quarter of its staff. Tragically, these cuts disproportionately affected recently hired journalists of color due to the Times’ seniority clause. The LA Times Guild expressed disappointment, stating that the company had failed to fulfill its promise to diversify its ranks.

As the paper had made efforts to increase diversity among its staff in recent years, Tang noted that minority reporters were often the last to be hired. She expressed her regret over the situation and emphasized that the paper would remain committed to prioritizing diversity despite facing these challenges.

The impact of the layoffs was particularly felt in the LA Times vertical called De Los, which covered the City of Los Angeles’ 48% Latino population. Jeong Park, who reported on Asian American communities, which make up 11% of the city’s population, was also among those laid off.

Despite these losses, Tang assured readers that the LA Times would continue to report on minority communities by reorganizing the remaining staff and utilizing available resources. She emphasized that there are still many talented journalists within the organization who are dedicated to fulfilling their mission.

The departure of beloved editors of color, such as Kevin Merida, Shani Hilton, and Sara Yasin, has undoubtedly impacted morale. However, Tang believes that this period presents an opportunity for the LA Times to “reset” and reassess its approach. She encourages young journalists of color not to lose heart and to continue pursuing their dreams of working for the paper.

“We’ve retained plenty of people who also offer that voice, myself included,” Tang said. “Don’t lose heart because, when I started in this industry, it didn’t seem easy either… If you want to be a journalist, then you’ll find ways to do that. Journalism is an act, a profession, and a mindset.”

Terry Tang’s appointment as the first female executive editor of the LA Times marks an important milestone in the paper’s history. As she takes on this challenging role, Tang’s commitment to diversity and her belief in the power of journalism will undoubtedly guide her in leading the LA Times through these turbulent times.

To read the full article, visit F5mag.com.