L.A. Times Sparks Controversy With AI “Bias Meter”

Patrick Soon-Shiong, owner of the Los Angeles Times, has announced plans to implement an artificial intelligence-powered “bias meter” on the newspaper’s articles, as first reported on Thursday by CNN.

The move, aimed at providing readers with “both sides” of a story, comes amid sweeping changes to the editorial board and growing criticism from staff and columnists, said CNN.

Soon-Shiong, who purchased the Times in 2018, revealed the initiative during an interview on Scott Jennings’ Flyover Country podcast, as reported by CNN.

The AI meter, set to launch in January, will identify potential biases in articles and offer readers alternative perspectives at the push of a button. He described the technology as an extension of his work in augmented intelligence for healthcare, says CNN.

“Somebody could understand as they read it that the source of the article has some level of bias,” Soon-Shiong explained, according to CNN.

“What we need to do is not have what we call confirmation bias and then that story automatically, the reader can press a button and get both sides of that exact same story based on that story and then give comments,” he added

The announcement has drawn sharp criticism, particularly from the Los Angeles Times Guild, which represents the newsroom staff. In a statement, the union accused Soon-Shiong of publicly questioning his staff’s integrity without evidence, reported CNN.

“Our members — and all Times staffers — abide by a strict set of ethics guidelines, which call for fairness, precision, transparency, vigilance against bias, and an earnest search to understand all sides of an issue,” the Guild said, reaffirming its commitment to impartial reporting, as reported by CNN.

The changes have already prompted high-profile resignations. Harry Litman, senior legal affairs columnist, and Kerry Cavanaugh, assistant editorial page editor, have both stepped down, reported CNN.

Litman cited the owner’s “repugnant and dangerous” efforts to align the paper with Donald Trump’s administration as his reason for resigning, as reported by CNN.

He condemned Soon-Shiong’s decision to block a pre-drafted endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris ahead of the election, calling it “a deep insult to the paper’s readership,” says CNN.

Soon-Shiong has also begun reviewing all opinion headlines and plans to diversify the editorial board with more conservative and centrist voices. While he defends his actions as necessary for balance, critics argue they undermine the Times’ independence, reports CNN.

The controversy has fueled concerns over the role of AI in journalism and the influence of ownership on editorial freedom, as the Times navigates a tumultuous period of restructuring.