I don't know whether today's moves are being called layoffs, involuntary buyouts or flat-out firings, but a number of long-time staffers at the Los Angeles Times are being told to pack up and prepare to go. Word is coming in private meetings or, in at least one case, a phone call. Most of the cuts are in the newsrooms, but I'm told unofficially that the scythe is hitting 23 positions in IT, four in Facilities and two in Advertising Operations. Queries are out for more details.

* Official reply from LAT: In response to my query about whether these are layoffs or what, and how many, Times spokesman David Garcia wrote: "As we've told our employees, beginning this week and over the next three weeks individual departments will be communicating specific initiatives, including job reductions, to their respective staffs. We won't have a final number until we've completed that process." 6:30 pm