LA Times Launched California Politics Podcast
The new weekly series examines legislative trends and state policies through interviews with experts.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Law
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LA Times Studios has launched the California Politics video podcast, a new series dedicated to examining key trends and legislative decisions in the state. Host Beth Ruyak leads the program, featuring interviews with lawmakers, journalists, and academics.
Why it matters
The program aims to provide deeper analysis of the news and policies shaping the future of California. By utilizing reporting on state races and ballot measures, the show offers residents a closer look at the political landscape in Sacramento.
Host Beth Ruyak brings 40 years of journalistic experience to the production. The series is scheduled to air weekly throughout the legislative session.
The players
Beth Ruyak
She is the host of the California Politics podcast and brings four decades of professional journalistic experience to the role.
George Skelton
A veteran political columnist, he has spent 60 years covering government and has reported on nine different California governors.
Phil Willon
He is an editor at the Los Angeles Times who contributed to the first episode of the new podcast series.
The details
The series utilizes reporting and analysis to cover election races and state measures. Upcoming episodes are slated to feature guests including Jeanne Kuang, Daniel Swain, and Paul Mitchell.
Timeline
October 8, 2026: The California Politics video podcast officially launched.
November 2026: The upcoming general election provides a focus for program coverage.
Political Context
The production follows the established institutional footprint of the LA Times Sacramento bureau coverage of the state Capitol. By shifting to a weekly video format, the outlet seeks to compete with digital-first media addressing the complex legislative environment.
Residents can access analysis on state ballot measures and legislative decisions to better inform their voting choices. The weekly format provides a consistent resource for tracking how Sacramento policies directly impact state residents.
The takeaway
This podcast serves as a new tool for voters to navigate the complexities of state government and electoral races. Listeners can gain practical insights into the decision-making processes occurring at the Capitol.
Further reading
For more information on state legislative affairs, visit the Law section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Los Angeles Times.
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