Patrick Soon-Shiong Kevin Merida

THE NEWSMEN

PATRICK SOON-SHIONG AND KEVIN MERIDA

Owner • Executive Editor, L.A. Times

photographed by ART STREIBER at THE L.A. TIMES OFFICES

THE L.A TIMES, hobbled by sta cuts and a rapacious owner, was reeling when Soon-Shiong and his wife, Michele Chan, bought the paper (along with the San Diego Tribune) in 2018 for $500 million. The South African–born pharmaceutical magnate hired Merida, a beloved Washington Post veteran, who was also in the running for the top job at that paper. It was reported last year that Soon-Shiong, deep in development of a COVID vaccine, was considering selling the Times, which he denied. In any event, the newsroom, under Merida’s guidance, has rallied with tough stories and renewed purpose. —M.W.