Los Angeles Times Executive Editor Kevin Merida | Full Interview | Code 2021

Join Kevin Merida, Executive Editor of the Los Angeles Times, for an in-depth conversation on the future of journalism, from the importance of teamwork and innovation to maintaining transparency and building trust with readers.

Key takeaways
  • Teamwork and collaboration are crucial in the news industry.
  • The Los Angeles Times is aggressively pursuing video content, including docuseries and scripted shows.
  • The newspaper industry is facing a crisis of trust, and maintaining transparency is essential in building trust with readers.
  • Experimentation and innovation are necessary to stay competitive, and the LA Times is investing in new formats and technologies.
  • Diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential in ensuring that the news industry is representative of the communities it serves.
  • The rise of online platforms has changed the way people consume news, and the LA Times is adapting to this new landscape.
  • The role of sports in society is multifaceted, and the LA Times is committed to covering it as a way to bring people together.
  • The newspaper industry is facing financial challenges, and finding new revenue streams is essential to sustainability.
  • Community engagement and participation are key to building trust and credibility with readers.
  • Technology can both enhance and hinder the news-gathering process, and the LA Times is working to strike a balance.
  • Journalists need to be aware of the ways in which technology can be used to manipulate information, and must be vigilant in preventing disinformation.
  • The LA Times is committed to investigating and holding accountable those in power, particularly in the area of local politics.
  • The newspaper industry is at a crossroads, and the LA Times is exploring new ways to reach and engage with readers, including through social media and podcasting.
  • Building trust with readers is essential, and the LA Times is committed to transparently reporting the news and being responsive to reader concerns.
  • The LA Times is committed to covering underreported stories and investigating systemic issues that affect marginalized communities.