Black Monday

Kevin has been keeping pace with the fast-moving developments about the LAT and Tribune at LAO. But to update LABO readers:

--LAT Publisher David Hiller is out, effective immediately. A successor is expected to be named by the end of the summer. In the interim, Tribune COO Randy Michaels and Gerry Spector, executive vice president and chief administrative officer, will oversee operations. Here's the LAT story. Michaels put the word out in an email:

David took over as publisher in October 2006, during a difficult period for the newspaper and has performed with distinction since that time. During the last six months, he has helped The Times begin making the transition to new ownership, facing new realities. Part of that transition must now include a new publisher.

--LAT newsroom layoffs begin. Editors are in the process of notifying most of the 150 people who will be leaving, whether through buyout or layoff. Everybody will be gone by the end of August. "The days and weeks ahead will be difficult ones, filled with pain, anger and sadness," Editor Russ Stanton said in an email to staff. (LAO)

--Chicago Tribune Editor resigns. Ann Marie Lipinski's announcement came less than a week after the Tribune-owned paper announced big cuts in the newsroom and a reduction in pages. Gerould Kern will succeed Lipinski. She said that, "it would be inaccurate to attribute it to any one event," though she added that, "Professionally this position is not the fit it once was. Personally, my family and I believe it is time."
(Chicago Tribune)

--WSJ cuts begin. Not nearly as Draconian as what's going on at the Times - exit packages were given to half a dozen staff members - but there's concern that more cuts are on the way. One area being targeted is the Journal’s large copy desk, which is likely to be reduced by the time the paper moves its operations to Midtown Manhattan later this year. (Portfolio)