Morning Wire Podcast Summary
Episode: Truth & Toxins: Dr. Soon-Shiong’s Vision for the LA Times and America’s Health | 12.21.24
Release Date: December 21, 2024
Hosts: Georgia Howe and John Bickley
Guest: Dr. Patrick Soon Xiang, Medical Entrepreneur and Owner of the LA Times
1. Introduction to Dr. Patrick Soon Xiang and the LA Times
In this episode, Georgia Howe welcomes Dr. Patrick Soon Xiang, the owner of the LA Times, to discuss his recent initiatives aimed at transforming the newspaper's editorial stance and addressing broader issues in American healthcare.
Notable Quote:
“Doctor Patrick Soon Xiang, owner of the LA Times, made headlines this fall for making big and potentially risky changes at his paper in an effort to root out bias.”
— Georgia Howe [00:03]
2. Acquisition and Vision for the LA Times
Dr. Soon Xiang acquired the LA Times in 2018 with the vision of making it a comprehensive voice representing all Americans. He emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between news and opinion to provide unbiased reporting.
Notable Quote:
“When I bought the paper, I wanted it to be really a voice of all people. And more importantly, I wanted our readers to understand the difference between news and opinion.”
— Dr. Patrick Soon Xiang [01:15]
3. Editorial Changes and Leadership Shift
Initially, under the leadership of Norm Polstein, the LA Times adhered to its mission. However, the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated Dr. Soon Xiang's focus on his work in cancer research, leading to the hiring of a new editor whose direction diverged from the original mission. Recognizing the paper's drift into a biased stance, Dr. Soon Xiang initiated significant changes to realign the publication with its foundational goals.
Notable Quote:
“The editorial board actually has not even followed... we strive to take into account different perspectives... I didn't believe we were living up to our mission statement.”
— Dr. Patrick Soon Xiang [03:28]
4. Addressing Media Bias and Echo Chambers
Dr. Soon Xiang critiques the existing editorial practices, highlighting the prevalence of echo chambers that limit diverse perspectives. His objective is to transform the LA Times into a platform that genuinely represents a multitude of viewpoints, thereby becoming a "voice of truth."
Notable Quote:
“I want to be the voice of truth. So taking that position that we could be the voice of truth, that we need to make that happen... we have to lead.”
— Dr. Patrick Soon Xiang [02:46]
5. Reader Response and Appointment of Scott Jennings
The changes have elicited mixed reactions from the readership, with both negative and positive feedback observed on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter). Dr. Soon Xiang shares his decision to bring Scott Jennings on board, citing Jennings' factual and respectful approach to media commentary.
Notable Quote:
“I watched his courage, I watched his demeanor, I watched his respectfulness, and I watch his opinion based on many facts rather than speculation.”
— Dr. Patrick Soon Xiang [05:17]
6. Declining to Endorse Political Candidates
Both Dr. Soon Xiang and Jeff Bezos recently declined to endorse political candidates in their respective publications. Dr. Soon Xiang explains that endorsements should be based on comprehensive, factual analyses rather than succumbing to prepackaged political positions.
Notable Quote:
“I did not believe in an echo chamber, prepackaged endorsement... I was not sure that analysis was based on facts rather than speculation.”
— Dr. Patrick Soon Xiang [06:31]
7. Insights on Incoming Cabinet Picks
Dr. Soon Xiang shares his views on President-Elect Trump's cabinet nominees, particularly Robert Kennedy for HHS and Dr. Marty McCary as FDA head. He commends their competence and real-world experience, emphasizing their potential to address critical health issues like toxic materials and the rising incidence of cancer.
Notable Quote:
“Robert Kennedy... what he says is fundamentally correct. We have huge amounts of toxic materials. We have a rising incidence of cancer... he ran truly on the basis of looking out for the welfare and health of all Americans.”
— Dr. Patrick Soon Xiang [07:42]
8. Concerns About PFAS and Rising Cancer Rates
A significant portion of the discussion centers on PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) and their link to increasing cancer rates among young Americans. Dr. Soon Xiang highlights the lack of regulation and measurement of PFAS in the U.S., contrasting it with European standards.
Notable Quote:
“97% of Americans have a PFAS level higher than what is normal or safe... we are now seeing, and I don't want to scare the world, but... children with colon cancer.”
— Dr. Patrick Soon Xiang [11:21]
9. Debunking Red Meat as the Sole Contributor to Colorectal Cancer
Dr. Soon Xiang challenges the traditional narrative that red meat consumption is the primary cause of colorectal cancer. He attributes the rise in cancer rates to the presence of PFAS in food and water, urging for comprehensive scientific studies to understand the true causes.
Notable Quote:
“People think fish was fantastic, except until they found it at Mercury. The milk that we drink, if it's filled with PFAS, why are we not addressing it by actually just studying it?”
— Dr. Patrick Soon Xiang [14:15]
10. PFAS Testing and Public Awareness
Addressing whether PFAS levels can be tested, Dr. Soon Xiang confirms that testing is possible and cites an example where a farmer discovered high PFAS levels in their blood and milk, leading to drastic measures like euthanizing dairy cows.
Notable Quote:
“It's fixable. We need to measure it so that we have a quantifiable data fact and no speculation.”
— Dr. Patrick Soon Xiang [16:53]
11. Proposals for Healthcare System Improvements
Dr. Soon Xiang outlines his vision for transforming the American healthcare system by shifting incentives from treating illness to promoting health. He advocates for real-time data access for physicians, reducing bureaucratic inefficiencies, and fostering direct doctor-patient interactions to manage chronic diseases effectively.
Notable Quote:
“Change the incentive so that the doctor and patient could have direct interaction with each other and convert this perverse incentive of trying to drive what we call upcoating of higher costs as you get sicker to an incentive, you get paid more if you're healthier.”
— Dr. Patrick Soon Xiang [18:23]
12. Conclusion and Forward Look
Dr. Soon Xiang concludes by emphasizing the need for in-depth conversations to educate the American public about the critical health issues at stake. He expresses optimism that the current administration's cabinet picks can initiate meaningful changes in healthcare.
Notable Quote:
“The conversation we need to have is really long form in which we get into the details. So to explain to the American public what's at stake...”
— Dr. Patrick Soon Xiang [24:20]
Key Takeaways:
- Dr. Patrick Soon Xiang is undertaking significant editorial reforms at the LA Times to eliminate bias and represent diverse perspectives.
- He advocates for responsible media practices, including withholding endorsements unless based on thorough factual analysis.
- There is a pressing concern about the impact of PFAS on public health, particularly its role in rising cancer rates among the youth.
- Dr. Soon Xiang proposes systemic changes to the American healthcare system to prioritize preventive care and reduce costs by incentivizing health over illness.
This episode provides a comprehensive overview of Dr. Soon Xiang's efforts to reshape media narratives and address critical health challenges facing America today.