Los Angeles Times is set to launch an AI bias meter for news articles

In the United States, the owner of the Los Angeles Times, Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, revealed plans for a new AI feature intended to detect bias in news articles and opinion pieces. This announcement was made during an interview on The Mike Gallagher Show with Scott Jennings, a newly appointed member of the Times' editorial board. Soon-Shiong stated that readers would have the option to understand any biases present in a story and would be able to access contrasting viewpoints by pressing a button. This initiative is part of a broader overhaul that Soon-Shiong is implementing at the newspaper, which he believes has not sufficiently separated news reporting from opinion content. The envisioned bias meter aims to provide a more well-rounded perspective for readers, fostering informed discussions about the articles they read. Soon-Shiong has expressed discontent with the current editorial practices at the Times, suggesting that they have resulted in an 'echo chamber' effect that does not serve the public’s need for objective news. He emphasized that factual reporting should be the priority for news articles, contrasting with the more subjective nature of opinion pages. The expected launch timeline for the bias meter is set for January. Controversy has surrounded Soon-Shiong's changes, particularly among some of the paper's liberal staff who have resisted his vision for reform. The editorial board, traditionally engaged in endorsing political candidates, faced internal strife and the resignation of three members after Soon-Shiong announced a halt to endorsements for candidates in the upcoming 2024 presidential election. This practice had been a staple of the Times since the late 19th century. The decision not to endorse was based on Soon-Shiong's perspective that editorial opinions should be grounded in thorough investigation and discussions with the candidates. In response to the staff's backlash, Soon-Shiong articulated his commitment to transforming the Times into a more credible source of information. He highlighted the need for the editorial team to genuinely engage with candidates rather than prepare endorsements in advance without proper interaction. The move away from partisanship in editorial endorsements marks a significant shift for the Times, reflecting Soon-Shiong's vision to make the publication a more comprehensive and reliable source of news, irrespective of political leaning.