Yang Bin -- editor of the Beijing News, described as one of China's most daring and popular newspapers -- has been turfed by the government, along with two other top editors.
An excerpt from the BBC story:
No official reason was given, but a lawyer who often represents journalists said Communist officials had accused the paper of multiple errors.
The Beijing News has a reputation for forthright reporting and commentary, despite strict control over the press.
It exposed a bloody crackdown ordered by officials against protesting farmers in the northern province of Dingzhou in June, in which six farmers were killed.
Joint venture
Officials announced the dismissals at a meeting on Wednesday afternoon. Several senior staff of the paper reportedly walked out in protest, and could go on strike.
"A lot of good reporters may leave," one journalist told Reuters news agency.
The editors will be replaced by staff from the conservative Guangming Daily, but sources at the Beijing News said the top job would remain vacant.