News Corp, an integral part of the Murdoch family media empire, has announced plans to launch a California edition of its well-known rightwing tabloid, the New York Post. Set to debut in early 2026, the new publication will be titled the California Post and will be based in Los Angeles.
The California Post aims to replicate the distinctive style of its New York counterpart, offering a mix of reporting, sports coverage, and celebrity gossip from a distinctly Californian perspective. A dedicated team of editors, reporters, and photographers will be stationed in the state, with content distributed across new digital channels and a daily print newspaper that mirrors the New York Post’s iconic cover design.
Leadership and Vision
Nick Papps, a seasoned News Corp veteran with extensive experience in the corporation’s Australian operations, has been appointed as the editor-in-chief of the California Post. He will report to Keith Poole, the editor-in-chief of the New York Post.
“California is the most populous state in the country and is the epicenter of entertainment, the AI revolution, and advanced manufacturing—not to mention a sports powerhouse,” Poole stated. “Yet many stories are not being told, and many viewpoints are not being represented.”
Challenges in the Local Media Landscape
The launch of the California Post comes at a challenging time for news outlets in the Los Angeles area. The Los Angeles Times, the state’s largest paper and once a leading regional outlet in the U.S., has faced significant setbacks. It lost more than 20% of its newsroom last January, following layoffs of 74 staffers amid declining advertising revenues in 2023. Additionally, the paper has been losing millions annually and faced controversy and subscription losses after its owner blocked an endorsement of Kamala Harris in the previous year’s election.
In contrast, the New York Post has maintained profitability and already boasts a substantial readership in California. According to News Corp, the Los Angeles area hosts the second-largest concentration of Post readers, with a striking 90% of the Post’s digital readership residing outside of New York.
Strategic Timing and Broader Implications
The timing of the California Post’s launch is strategic, coinciding with significant events in the state. California is preparing for gubernatorial elections in 2026, and the state will host matches during the FIFA World Cup next year. Additionally, Los Angeles is set to host the Summer Olympics in 2028.
Moreover, California stands at the forefront of the climate crisis, grappling with extreme weather conditions that have led to increasingly frequent and devastating wildfires. The state is also navigating the aftermath of major fires in January, coupled with the ongoing challenges posed by federal immigration policies.
“Los Angeles and California surely need a daily dose of The Post as an antidote to the jaundiced, jaded journalism that has sadly proliferated,” said Robert Thomson, News Corp CEO. “We are at a pivotal moment for the city and the state, and there is no doubt that The Post will play a crucial role in engaging and enlightening readers, who are starved of serious reporting and puckish wit.”
Looking Forward
The introduction of the California Post represents a significant expansion for News Corp and underscores the media giant’s confidence in the potential of the Californian market. As the state navigates its complex socio-political landscape and prepares for major global events, the California Post is poised to become a key player in shaping public discourse and providing a fresh perspective on the issues that matter most to Californians.
With its blend of hard-hitting journalism and engaging content, the California Post is set to make a substantial impact on the media scene in California, offering an alternative voice in a rapidly evolving news environment.
