L..A. Times Publisher Johnson Forced Out

The Tribune Co. forced out Los Angeles Times Publisher Jeffrey M. Johnson this morning [Thursday, Oct 5] , a little more than a month after he defied the media conglomerate's demands for staff cuts that he suggested could damage the newspaper.

Tribune Publishing President Scott C. Smith huddled with top managers at the newspaper this morning and announced that David Hiller, publisher of the Chicago Tribune, would immediately replace Johnson as chief executive at the 125-year-old newspaper. Hiller is the 12th publisher of The Times.

"After a thorough review, Jeff and I agreed that he should resign at this time," Smith said in a statement. "We do agree on many priorities to best serve our customers, communities and shareholders. The Times' has also made great progress on many fronts in the face of intense marketplace challenges. However, this leadership change is necessary because of important differences on how best to shape our future."

Hiller was expected to ask Times Editor Dean Baquet to stay on the job, despite the editor's sharp protests against further job cuts by the Chicago-based parent corporation. Friends of Baquet said the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist had not yet decided to remain with the paper.

Source: James Rainey, LA Times.. Click on headline to read full story.