BREAKING NEWS: Tribune Fires Times Publisher

BREAKING NEWS: Tribune Fires Times Publisher The Tribune Co. has forced out Los Angeles Times publisher Jeffrey Johnson just weeks after he reportedly balked at a corporate directive to make more cuts at the newspaper. David D. Hiller, the publisher of the Chicago Tribune, has been named as Johnson’s replacement. “After a thorough review, Jeff and I agreed that he should resign at this time,” said Tribune Publishing President Scott Smith, 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.” Johnson took over the publisher’s post in June 2005, following the departure of John Puerner. The relations between the Times and its corporate parent in the Tribune Tower in Chicago can be best described as uneasy. Tribune came to own the Times following its purchase of Times Mirror Co. in 2000. Industry wide difficulties led to layoffs and buyouts at the Times since its purchase by Tribune, most recently in December 2005. In recent months, the company has come under criticism on various fronts, including members of the Chandler family, the second largest shareholder in Tribune and former owners of Times Mirror Co. In June, the family wrote a letter suggesting that Tribune to spin off its newspaper business from the broadcast division. In September, leading civic and business leaders wrote an open letter to the Tribune Co. board of directors urging no additional cuts at the Times. Valley Industry and Commerce Association President Brendan Huffman was among the signers. On Thursday, Huffman said in a released statement that Johnson’s leadership will be missed. “Valley business leaders especially appreciated Johnson reaching out to us to hear our concerns and suggestions for improving coverage of public policy issues at the Times,” Huffman said. “We hope that further cuts in staff are not made, particularly as they impact coverage of the San Fernando Valley and its 1.8 million residents,and 48,000 businesses.”