Confirmed: Hiller out as L.A. Times publisher *

Randy Michaels note to Tribunistas:

I want to let you know that David Hiller has decided to step down as publisher of The Los Angeles Times, effective immediately. 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.

We are already in the process of identifying the right person to lead The Times going forward. We expect to name a new publisher by the end of the summer. In the meantime, executive vice president and chief administrative officer Gerry Spector and I will oversee all operations at The Times. Russ Stanton and his team are well underway with their work on the redesign of the paper and that work will, of course, continue at a quick pace.

The Los Angeles Times is a great newspaper with a talented and dedicated staff. Let's do everything we can to keep it focused on future success.

Randy

So the newsroom gossip mill was right on about this too — it's been pretty accurate lately.

* Times story: Michael Hiltzik writes, "Los Angeles Times Publisher David Hiller resigned today after a 21-month tenure that included the departure of two Times editors and plans for the sharpest staff and production cuts in the newspaper's history amid a continuing slide in advertising revenue." No successor named. Editor Russ Stanton says in the story, ""David's tenure here was marked by unprecedented financial challenges and economic instability," Stanton said in a statement. "He was extremely supportive of our efforts to restructure our newsrooms for the long term, and he provided us with the resources that led to the enormous growth in readership of latimes.com. I wish him the very best. We look forward to working with his successor to keep the Los Angeles Times an indispensable institution that produces great journalism every day." LAT