Kevin Merida Steps Down as Executive Editor of Los Angeles Times

Departure follows struggles to meet digital subscriber goals, with search for successor to begin immediately.

Kevin Merida, executive editor of the Los Angeles Times, announced his decision to step down after two and a half years in the role.
Merida's departure was agreed upon mutually with the paper's owner, Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, and comes amidst the Times' struggle to meet its digital subscriber goals.
The Times will immediately begin an internal and external search for Merida's successor, with the newsroom to be overseen by current senior editors in the interim.
Merida's tenure saw the newsroom shrink by 13% due to layoffs, and the Los Angeles Times Studios, once seen as a key area of growth, was significantly scaled back.
Despite the challenges, Merida expressed pride in the Times' coverage and achievements during his tenure, including winning three Pulitzer Prizes.