Los Angeles Times Watch: Times Publisher Jeffrey Johnson Forced Out
Los Angeles Times: Times Publisher Johnson Forced Out
The Tribune Co. forced out Los Angeles Times Publisher Jeffrey M. Johnson this morning, a little more than a month after he defied the media conglomerate’s demands for staff cuts that he suggested could damage the newspaper.
Tribune Publishing President Scott C. Smith huddled with top managers at the newspaper this morning and announced that David Hiller, publisher of the Chicago Tribune, would immediately replace Johnson as chief executive at the 125-year-old newspaper. Hiller is the 12th publisher of The Times.
LA Observed has all the POOP:
Business community ‘concerned’
Johnson fired as Times publisher!
And email from the new LAT publisher:
From: Internal News
Sent: Thursday, October 05, 2006 11:28 AM
To: zzAll LATimes Employees
Subject: A Note From David Hiller
October 5, 2006To all of my new colleagues:
By now you have heard that I have been named publisher, following my friend Jeff Johnson.
I hope to meet as many of you as possible in the days and weeks ahead, but wanted to introduce myself today even if email seems inadequate under the circumstances. Here’s what I want you to know:
I read and love newspapers and have the highest regard for the Los Angeles Times, its great journalism, and the special role it plays in Southern California.
I have worked with many of you and know what a talented and creative team we have here.
I believe in the future of newspapers as the most trusted source of news and information in the communities we serve. To achieve that future we have to continue to change, because our readers, online users and advertising customers continue to change.
I have a lot to learn about the Times and our community, and with your help I will try to be a fast learner.
It is an honor to be able to come here and work with you
Thanks and I look forward to meeting you soon.
David
Flap has NOT subscribed to the Los Angeles Times in five years and have not cared a wit since the Chandler family sold the newspaper.
Under Jeff Johnson, Flap has noted NO improvements in coverage or bias. Same ol’ Same ol’!
Flap suspects the appointment of Hiller is just temporary until the Tribune Comapny can dump this slumping property.
Stay tuned…….
Los Angeles Times Editor John S. Carroll, left, announces his retirement to news staff. Managing Editor Dean P. Baquet, center, will succeed him on Aug. 15. Publisher Jeffrey M. Johnson, right, praised Carroll’s leadership, saying, “We are indebted to him for his extraordinary legacy of journalistic excellence and wish him every happiness in the future.â€
Technorati Tags: LosAngelesTimes, JeffreyJohnson, DavidHiller