Cubs will be sold?

[Laura]

Yahoo News[/url]"] Los Angeles Times Publisher Jeffrey M. Johnson was forced out Thursday, a month after he defied parent company Tribune Co.'s demand for what he considered potentially damaging staff cuts.

 

He is being succeeded by David D. Hiller, who has been publisher of the Chicago Tribune, the Tribune Co. said in a statement.

 

"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, Tribune Publishing president. "We thank Jeff for his leadership of important advances at the Times and his significant contributions during his Tribune career."

 

Late last month, Tribune announced it would study the possible sale or breakup of the corporation, which owns the Chicago Tribune, KTLA-TV Channel 5, baseball's Chicago Cubs and other TV stations and newspapers.

 

The Tribune board is expected to decide on a course by year's end. Chief Executive Dennis FitzSimons has said plans would not include selling the Times.