Times buzz *

Rumors are rampant at the L.A. Times that a big announcement involving the future of the paper is coming today. I didn't have time to report out what if anything is behind the whispers, and I may be on the road when it comes down. But if it's true that John Carroll is readying to vacate the editor's chair, media reporters might want to look into what was discussed in Chicago a few weeks ago between Managing Editor Dean Baquet and Tribune Company brass. Inquiring reporters might also probe just how close Baquet came earlier this month to exiting the L.A. scene. At the time, threats of drastic Tribune-ordered budget cuts were in the air. * 10 a.m.: Romenesko reports it is about Carroll and that the announcement is due at 11 a.m.

See: Baquet era begins