Belo: The Dallas-based media company’s board of directors has approved the spin-off of Belo’s (NYSE: BLC) TV and newspaper units into separate businesses. The plan was announced in early October. Existing Belo shareholders will receive a tax-free distribution of shares in the newly formed A.H. Belo, which will own the company’s newspapers (led by flagship Dallas Morning News) and their websites. The remaining Belo Corp. will be a pure-play investment in traditional broadcast TV. Release

The Seattle Times: The paper plans to cut 86 positions, mostly by attrition, with about 14 circulation department staffers expected to be dismissed. The first round of layoffs at the paper will be in February and the second round will be in July. McClatchy (NYSE: MNI) holds a 49.5 percent stake in The Seattle Times. The paper hopes to save $21 million from the job cuts. (via Seattle Times)

The Morning Call: The Tribune-owned Allentown, PA.-based paper expects to eliminate 10 staff posts to save editorial costs, At the same time, The Call will add three positions designed to build its web capabilities. In addition to an investigative reporter, the paper wants to hire an online producer for its sports coverage and someone to aid in video editing. (via Romenesko)