In a move poised to reshape the media landscape of the Golden State, the California Post has launched its inaugural edition, bringing the audacious style of its New York counterpart to the West Coast. The launch, which took place on January 27, 2026, marks the introduction of a new tabloid newspaper and website aimed at offering a conservative-friendly voice in California’s diverse media environment.
The California Post, an extension of the New York Post, is designed to be “digital first,” featuring a robust online presence with social media engagement, video, and audio content. However, for those who prefer print, a daily edition is available for $US3.75 ($5.40), showcasing the paper’s iconic, bold front-page headlines reminiscent of its New York predecessor, such as the infamous 1983 headline, “Headless Body in Topless Bar.”
“The most iconic thing about the New York Post, and now the California Post, is that front page,” stated Nick Papps, editor-in-chief of the Los Angeles newsroom. “It has a unique wit and is our calling card, if you like.”
Hollywood Headlines and Local Focus
The first edition of the California Post made a splash with a headline targeting Hollywood during awards season: “Oscar Wild – Shocking truth behind director Safdie brothers’ mystery split.” This bold approach is indicative of the Post’s strategy to engage readers with sensational and topical content.
Nick Papps has indicated that the newsroom, staffed with 80 to 100 journalists, will focus on issues pertinent to Californians, such as homelessness, affordability, technology, and law and order. Additionally, the Post’s notorious gossip column, Page Six, will have a Hollywood edition, promising to keep a keen eye on celebrity culture and red carpet events.
“No matter what your politics are, sports is the great connector,” Papps added, highlighting the paper’s commitment to covering major league sports, as well as upcoming events like the World Cup and Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Expanding the Murdoch Empire
The California Post adds another title to Rupert Murdoch’s vast media empire, drawing inspiration from the New York Post’s national coverage, known for its relentless, often provocative reporting. Robert Thomson, CEO of News Corp., the parent company, emphasized the Post’s role in providing “serious reporting and puckish wit” to a state he described as suffering from “jaundiced, jaded journalism.”
Gabriel Kahn, a professor at the University of Southern California’s Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, noted the potential impact of the Post’s combative style and conservative stance. “Our statewide press is boring as bathwater,” Kahn remarked, predicting that the publication might target figures like Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom, who is often criticized by Republicans.
“There’s a crass cleverness in the way that tabloids present news that actually works well on social media,” Kahn explained. “It could be entertaining.”
Challenges in a Changing Media Landscape
The launch of the California Post occurs amid a turbulent period for the news industry, particularly for print media. Since 2005, over 3,200 newspapers have closed nationwide, according to Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. The rise of digital media has transformed consumer habits and disrupted traditional advertising models.
Despite these challenges, California, with its nearly 40 million residents, still hosts numerous newspapers, though the Los Angeles area has lacked a dedicated tabloid focused on regional issues for some time. The Los Angeles Times and other established outlets have faced significant layoffs, underscoring the difficulties facing print journalism.
Ted Johnson, a media and politics editor for Deadline, commented, “The launch of a paper edition of the Post ‘defies logic’ as news outlets in major metro areas are rapidly shrinking their print footprint.”
Nevertheless, Rupert Murdoch’s enduring passion for print media is evident in this venture. As Johnson noted, “Rupert Murdoch, his first love is print.”
As the California Post embarks on this ambitious journey, it remains to be seen how it will navigate the complexities of the modern media landscape and what impact it will have on California’s diverse and dynamic news environment.
