On a local note, Patterico has learned that the new editor of the L.A. Times reads his blog, and has something to say about it here. I made a comment in his forums but wanted to expand a bit more here. 

The Editor Mr. Baquet should not need to agree that there is bias to correct the issue. It doesn’t matter if he agrees, he is a businessman running a business for profit.  You don’t need to agree with a large group of customers who have complaints.

For example:  If a solid chunk of your otherwise would be customers say your restaurant needs more light, then you add more lights in some or all of the restaurant.  Doesn’t matter if in your professional opinion the atmosphere is PERFECT.  Its a business, being right doesn’t make you money if your customers disagree.  But you can’t make it too light, or you would drive away other customers.  You find out what your customers like, and you give it to them and make money on it.  And it doesn’t matter if you can measure the lumens and demonstrate to your satisfaction that there is ample light to read the menu’s and such, what matters is the customer’s perception of your business.

The customer is always right, even when they are ‘wrong’. Well, if you want him to be a customer.  Its a universal dictum of successful businesses in America.

Mr. Baquet, if you want the business, you must take action to meet the customer’s desires. Whether anyone on the staff LIKES THIS is irrelevant, it is a business is it not? They are there to do a job. As are you Mr. Baquet.  The process will not be simple I am sure, but it is within your grasp to manage.   People who are unable to perceive something obviously can’t correct for it, so the first step would be to hire a number of people with job security and positions of power sufficient to speak up and see it done.