Jeffrey M. Johnson, the Los Angeles Times publisher who pushed back against job cuts requested by the parent Tribune Co., is now an ex-publisher. He has been replaced with David Hiller, publisher of the Chicago Tribune.

An excerpt from the Oct. 5 MSNBC story:

"Jeff and I agreed that this change is best at this time because Tribune and Times executives need to be aligned on how to shape our future," said Scott Smith, president of Tribune Publishing, a division of the Tribune Company.

Mr Hiller said he looked forward "to building on the newspaper's heritage of outstanding journalism as we evolve to meet the needs of our readers, advertisers and the community we serve".

His position on job cuts was unclear. In a memo to staff, he expressed his confidence in the future of newspapers, but added "to achieve that future we have to continue to change, because our readers, online users and advertising customers continue to change".

After months of pressure from frustrated shareholders, the Tribune Company last month appointed a special committee to consider strategic alternatives, raising the prospect of a break-up of one of the most influential US media companies.

Wealthy Angelenos such as David Geffen, Ron Burkle and Eli Broad, have made inquiries about acquiring the Los Angeles Times, and private equity groups are understood to have been circling Tribune in recent months.

Dean Baquet, the title's editor, who led the public opposition to Tribune's demands for further cuts, met Mr Hiller on Thursday morning. Following that meeting, Mr Baquet told staff that he would try to work with the new publisher but that he had not changed his position on job cuts.

Newsroom staffers have circulated a petition in support of  Baquet. See this post from LA Observed.