Why major newspapers are withholding presidential endorsements

Professor Nicole Carroll from the ASU Media Enterprise, joined “Arizona Horizon,” to discuss the decision by many newspaper owners to not endorse.

Over the course of the past few weeks, several newspaper owners have blocked their editorial boards from endorsing presidential candidates this year.

“I think the problem here was the timing,” Carroll said, “…by pulling it 11 days before the election, after the editorials have been written…it struck a lot of people.”

The Washington Post and the LA Times were both set to endorse VP Kamala Harris but were told they were not allowed to. For many publications, this will be the first time in decades they have not endorsed a presidential candidate.

“Back in 2008, 92 out of the 100 largest newspapers endorsed, one way or the other,” Carroll said. “By 2020, only 54 endorsed. This year…3/4 of the top newspapers are not endorsing.”

Gannett, which owns USA Today and The Arizona Republic, will not allow presidential endorsements– but will allow local or state endorsements.

“The reason for that is a couple of things,” Carroll said, “…the people who have decided against endorsements say it doesn’t make a difference anyway…it alienates too many readers…they have a bigger influence on local elections than they do on national elections.”

Many critics are questioning the timing and the idea that the owners are looking to appease Donald Trump.

“I think there’s very good reasons for editorials,” Carroll said. “…they really just want to put out an expert opinion. They are not telling you how to vote. They are just saying, here’s one expert opinion to put in your series of discussions.”