New York Post Expands West with The California Post, Set to Launch in Los Angeles in 2026
August 4, 2025, 9:33 PM IST – The New York Post Media Group, a subsidiary of Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp, announced on Monday the launch of The California Post, a new daily newspaper and digital platform based in Los Angeles, slated to debut in early 2026. The venture aims to bring the Post’s signature blend of bold, tabloid-style journalism, celebrity gossip, and sports coverage to the West Coast, capitalizing on California’s vibrant market and addressing a perceived gap in local media.
A New Voice for California
Headquartered in Los Angeles, The California Post will deliver “fearless, common-sense journalism, celebrity and entertainment news, world-class sports reporting, and the legendary covers people expect from The New York Post—but from a distinctly Californian perspective,” according to the announcement. The outlet will operate as a separate entity under the New York Post Media Group, featuring a daily print edition, mobile and desktop sites, video, audio, and social media content.
News Corp CEO Robert Thomson emphasized the need for an alternative to what he called “jaundiced, jaded journalism” in Los Angeles and California, stating, “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.” Editor-in-Chief Keith Poole, whose oversight now extends to both New York and California operations, added, “California is the most populous state in the country and the epicenter of entertainment, the AI revolution, and advanced manufacturing—not to mention a sports powerhouse. Yet many stories are not being told, and many viewpoints are not being represented.”
Leadership and Staffing
The California Post will be led by Editor-in-Chief Nick Papps, a News Corp veteran who previously served as the company’s West Coast correspondent for nearly three years. Poole praised Papps, saying, “Nick has a keen sense for the stories that matter, an understanding of what makes Los Angeles tick, and the ability to apply The Post’s unique voice to this vibrant market.” The outlet will hire a dedicated team of editors, reporters, and photographers based in California, while also repurposing relevant national content from the New York Post. Additionally, the Post will expand its commercial team to attract West Coast sponsors and advertising partners.
Strategic Timing Amid LA Media Struggles
The launch comes at a time of significant upheaval in Los Angeles’ media landscape. The Los Angeles Times, once a dominant regional player, cut 115 staffers in January 2024, following 74 layoffs in 2023, due to declining advertising revenue. LAist and LA Weekly have also faced financial challenges, with staff reductions and editorial turnover. News Corp sees an opportunity for The California Post to fill this void, leveraging the Post’s existing readership—Los Angeles is home to the second-largest concentration of Post readers, with 90% of its digital audience living outside New York.
New York Post Media Group CEO Sean Giancola highlighted the brand’s broad appeal, stating, “We are trusted by millions for our direct and plain-spoken approach to news, and The New York Post has been the voice of the people in New York for 200 years. California is a vibrant, dynamic market where our unique journalistic ethos will resonate.” The Post’s irreverent style, known for its provocative headlines and celebrity-focused Page Six coverage, aims to stand out in a market craving alternative perspectives.
Challenges and Opportunities
While The California Post taps into a ripe market, it faces challenges in a region with a history of media consolidation and financial strain. The Los Angeles Times, with a daily readership of 1.4 million and 22 million monthly online visitors, remains a formidable competitor despite its struggles. The Post’s conservative-leaning, populist approach may also polarize readers in California’s diverse, often progressive landscape. However, its focus on entertainment, sports, and local issues, combined with a robust digital presence, could attract Gen Z and millennial audiences active on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where the Post already averages 313 million monthly video views.
The venture also aligns with News Corp’s broader strategy to expand its U.S. footprint. The New York Post, founded in 1801 by Alexander Hamilton and acquired by Murdoch in 1976, has evolved from a respected broadsheet to a tabloid powerhouse with a digital reach of millions. Its success with properties like Page Six and Decider positions The California Post to capitalize on California’s entertainment and tech hubs.
Looking Ahead
As The California Post prepares for its 2026 launch, it aims to shake up the Los Angeles media scene with its bold, unapologetic voice. By blending local coverage with the Post’s national resources, the outlet seeks to become a go-to source for Californians seeking an alternative to mainstream narratives. Whether it can replicate the Post’s New York success in a competitive and fragmented market remains to be seen, but the venture signals News Corp’s ambition to redefine West Coast journalism.
For more details, visit nypost.com or follow News Corp’s official announcements.