History and Evolution of the Los Angeles Times Newspaper

The History of the Los Angeles Times

The Los Angeles Times has been serving Southern California since 1881 when it was first published as the Los Angeles Daily Times. The paper has a long and storied history in Los Angeles and has covered everything from Hollywood scandals to Dodgers baseball to various trials and tribulations in the city.

The Early Days

The Los Angeles Times was started by Nathan Cole Jr. and Thomas Gardiner as a fledgling daily newspaper in 1881. It only had news on the front page at that time with advertising dominating the rest of the paper. This was common practice for newspapers in that era as advertising revenue was key to staying operational.

The paper struggled initially but started gaining more readership and relevance in the late 1800s. It was purchased by Harrison Gray Otis in 1884 who steered the paper toward becoming a more serious journalistic endeavor. Under Otis's leadership, the Times shed its reputation as a tabloid-style newspaper and focused on hard news and investigative pieces.

Becoming a Media Powerhouse

The Los Angeles Times continued growing its readership and influence in Los Angeles throughout the early 20th century. It was passed down through the Otis-Chandler family eventually ending up under the leadership of Norman Chandler in 1944. The paper expanded its reach and built up its staff to become an indispensable news source in LA.

In 1960, Norman Chandler's son Otis took over leadership and made several key moves that cemented the Los Angeles Times' status as a world class publication. He greatly expanded the newsroom, added more international and national news coverage, and made a bigger push to compete with papers like the New York Times and Washington Post.

Recent History

The Los Angeles Times had a thriving news operation for most of the 20th century. However, with revenue declining industry-wide due to the internet and changing news consumption habits, the paper has had various owners in the 21st century looking to stabilize the business side. This has unfortunately led to several rounds of layoffs and cutbacks limiting newsroom resources.

The paper is currently owned by biotech billionaire Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong who is aiming to guide the Times through the modern, digital-focused media landscape. While trying to preserve its original mission to provide impactful journalism to LA and surrounding areas.

Coverage and Focus

As LA's paper of record for over 140 years, the Los Angeles Times has covered all aspects of life in the city from entertainment to crime to local politics and more. It also has dedicated coverage of broader Southern California happenings.

Hollywood and Entertainment

Given Los Angeles's status as the entertainment capital of the world, the LA Times has extensive reporting on Hollywood happenings. From the early days of Hollywood scandals and deal-making to modern coverage of streaming wars and studio changes.

The paper covers all facets of the industry from box office news, celebrity gossip, award season prognosticating, executive shuffles and more. The entertainment industry woven into the fabric of Los Angeles so the Times helps readers follow along.

Local News

As a metro area with close to 13 million residents, there is no shortage of notable local news unfolding daily across Los Angeles County. The Times has bureaus and staff positioned locally to provide coverage of key local events.

From local politics in LA City Hall to school district news to community events and human interest stories, the paper provides in-depth reporting on the communities that make up greater LA.

Sports

With teams spanning all the major sports leagues, LA is a great sports city and fans are always eager to consume sports content. The Times has sportswriters following all the local teams closely to deliver insightful coverage.

The paper is the definitive chronicle for teams like the Dodgers, Lakers, Clippers, Rams, Chargers, Kings and more. Times sportswriters travel with the teams and provide top-notch beat reporting to give fans a view behind the scenes.

The Times Adapting for the Future

As readership habits shift toward digital platforms, the Los Angeles Times continues adjusting to keep up with the changing media landscape. This means enhancing its digital presence and capabilities to best serve modern news consumers.

Digital Subscriptions

In recent years, digital subscriptions have become a key avenue for revenue. The LA Times has put extensive resources toward improving its digital experience to make these subscriptions more appealing and drive this crucial income stream.

Digital subscribers can access breaking Los Angeles news online or via apps with flexible subscription tiers based on access level. This provides a vital revenue flow to fund the Times's large newsroom and extensive coverage at a time when print advertising dollars are declining.

Podcasts

In addition to digital articles and video, the Los Angeles Times is investing heavily in podcast content and audio storytelling to connect with audiences. Popular podcasts like The Times, Asian Enough, The Sewers of Paris, and Gut Bloody Rupture delve deeper into topics the Times covers.

Podcasts represent another modern medium the Times utilizes to provide premium journalism to engaged listeners on whatever platform they prefer. As podcasts continue growing in popularity, expect further podcast offerings.

Investigative Journalism

Even through numerous ownership changes and newsroom reductions, the Los Angeles Times remains committed to hard-hitting investigative journalism exposing corruption, malfeasance and injustice around Southern California.

From political scandal to environmental issues to cold case murders, the Times regularly provides revelatory journalism that holds powerful figures accountable and brings hidden truths to light. This drive toward impactful investigative work remains a cornerstone of the Times mission.

For Angelenos looking to understand what is happening in their communities and across LA, the Los Angeles Times continues providing vital news coverage as it has done for over 13 decades. Though facing headwinds similar to all print publications, the Times has worked to adapt by boosting digital, adding podcasts and preserving its investigative chops. This will hopefully ensure the Times remains a key source of news in LA for many years to come.

FAQs

When was the Los Angeles Times founded?

The Los Angeles Times was founded in 1881 under the name Los Angeles Daily Times. It has been in continuous publication serving the Los Angeles area since then.

How can I subscribe to the LA Times?

You can subscribe to the print edition or subscribe digitally to access Los Angeles Times content online and via mobile apps. Digital subscriptions offer flexible options based on access level.

What is the Los Angeles Times' circulation?

As of 2022, the Los Angeles Times average daily circulation was approximately 409,000 for print and digital combined. The paper has millions more monthly unique visitors online.

Does the LA Times cover entertainment news?

Yes, as the hometown paper for the Hollywood entertainment industry, the Los Angeles Times extensively covers film, TV, streaming media, celebrities, and all facets of entertainment.