Newspapers rapidly kill off the presidential endorsement
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The vast majority of America's largest newspapers by circulation aren't endorsing a presidential candidate this year, marking a stark departure from previous election cycles.
Why it matters: Endorsements have fallen off significantly in the past two election cycles as papers grapple with growing polarization and fears of political retribution.
By the numbers: The only two endorsements former President Trump received from the top 100 newspapers by print circulation were from the New York Post and the Las Vegas Review-Journal, both owned by Trump allies.
- Trump received seven endorsements last cycle. Some of the papers that endorsed him then, such as the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and the Boston Herald, didn't publish endorsements for president this year.
Between the lines: Many U.S. newspapers that used to be independent or family-owned now belong to large newspaper groups whose owners, often hedge funds or private equity groups, have decided to pull the plug on endorsements.
- Tribune Publishing and MediaNews Group, both owned by Alden Global Capital, said their more than 68 daily and 300 weekly papers would no longer endorse presidents in 2022.
- McClatchy, now owned by Chatham Asset Management, said last cycle its 30 papers wouldn't endorse a candidate unless its editorial board interviewed both nominees.
- Gannett — the largest owner of daily newspapers in America — said last week its 200+ daily papers, as well as its flagship national paper USA Today, wouldn't endorse presidential candidates this cycle.
Zoom out: Independently-owned newspapers are increasingly backing away from endorsements, drawing backlash.
- In scrubbing last-minute endorsements for Vice President Harris, billionaire owners of the Washington Post and Los Angeles Times — Jeff Bezos and Patrick Soon-Shiong, respectively — have been slammed for putting their potential business interests above their papers' independence, allegations both owners deny.
What to watch: The social media era has placed a heavier premium on celebrity endorsements that can reach millions of people online.
- While Hollywood A-listers like Taylor Swift, Cardi B and Jennifer Lopez are mostly lining up behind Harris, a few internet personalities and country stars are supporting Trump, including Jake Paul, Hulk Hogan, Kid Rock and Jason Aldean.
