California Set to Launch New Daily Newspaper in 2026

Los Angeles cityscape symbolizing the launch of a new newspaper.

News Summary

The California Post, a new daily newspaper, will launch in early 2026 in Los Angeles, focusing on news, entertainment, politics, and culture through a Californian lens. Led by experienced editor Nick Papps, the publication aims to fill market gaps and offer fresh perspectives on significant events, including the 2026 gubernatorial elections and the 2028 Summer Olympics. With a dual approach of print and digital content, The California Post seeks to engage a diverse readership while addressing key state issues like climate change and the impact of natural disasters.

California is set to welcome a new daily newspaper, The California Post, which will launch in early 2026. This latest addition to the media landscape comes from News Corp, the parent company of the New York Post, and will be headquartered in Los Angeles.

The California Post aims to offer comprehensive coverage of news, entertainment, politics, culture, sports, and business through a distinctly Californian lens. A dedicated team of editors, reporters, and photographers will be tasked with delivering content that resonates with the state’s diverse population.

At the helm of The California Post is Nick Papps, a seasoned journalist with nearly two decades of experience in the industry, who has been appointed as editor-in-chief. Keith Poole, who oversees the New York Post, will expand his responsibilities to include The California Post, ensuring continuity of style and approach.

Similar to its New York counterpart, The California Post promises a blend of celebrity gossip, sports news, and what has been described as “fearless, common-sense journalism.” This dual offering will engage readers on both print and digital platforms, with the latter incorporating video, audio, and active social media engagement.

The California Post’s launch is strategically timed to coincide with major events in California, including the 2026 gubernatorial elections, World Cup matches, and the upcoming Summer Olympics in 2028. This timing is expected to draw significant reader engagement as the country shifts focus to these pivotal happenings.

Robert Thomson, the CEO of News Corp, expressed that The California Post aims to serve as a counterbalance to the existing journalism landscape in California, which he characterizes as “jaundiced and jaded.” This assertion highlights an intent to provide fresh perspectives and highlight stories that may be neglected by current media in the area.

Los Angeles is notable for having the second-largest concentration of New York Post readers, attracting approximately 3.5 million unique visitors to its websites across California each month. This robust digital engagement signals a strong appetite for the type of content that The California Post plans to deliver, as 90% of the New York Post’s digital readership is located outside the New York media market.

An opportunity appears present in the California newspaper sector, especially in light of the challenges faced by the Los Angeles Times, the state’s largest newspaper. The Times has undergone significant staffing reductions and budget cuts, creating a gap that The California Post seeks to fill by capturing a portion of the market share.

The implications of launching a new publication come amid widespread change within the media industry. The New York Post has managed to remain profitable despite these challenges, credited largely to its unique journalistic approach and broad appeal beyond New York. The introduction of The California Post may offer a new pathway for robust journalism in a time when many other publications are struggling.

In addition to political and sports news, The California Post plans to address critical issues impacting Californians, including climate change, extreme weather patterns, and ongoing rebuilding efforts following natural disasters. This focus positions the publication as not just a source of entertainment and celebrity gossip but also a responsible contributor to discussions on significant state matters.

As the media landscape continues to evolve, The California Post appears poised to make its mark in Los Angeles and beyond, aiming to cater to the interests of a diverse readership while tackling the nuanced challenges of California society.