In a move marking a shift in the media’s approach to election coverage, Gannett’s USA TODAY Network announced it won’t endorse any presidential or national candidates for the 2024 election. USA TODAY and over 200 other Gannett-owned publications will instead focus on local issues, though editors at these local outlets can endorse state and local candidates or ballot issues.
Gannett’s approach aligns with recent decisions by other major publications that are also stepping away from direct candidate endorsements. The Washington Post and The Los Angeles Times both announced they wouldn’t endorse a presidential candidate in 2024.
Historically, endorsements from influential papers like The New York Times and The Washington Post have shaped voter perceptions. However, with a growing public distrust in media impartiality, some outlets are reconsidering the impact of these endorsements.
The Washington Post reportedly experienced a notable decline in subscribers after its decision, possibly signaling the contentious nature of endorsements.
Washington Post owner Jeff Bezos released a public letter addressing the choice, stating that endorsements may create a “perception of bias” and that ending them was a “principled decision.”
Despite this shift, Gannett reassures readers that its outlets will continue to cover critical issues and offer insights at the state and local levels. The company’s focus, it asserts, remains on delivering news that empowers local communities.