-- NYT and WSJ: Regular readers of the New York Times’ and Wall St. Journal’s websites probably couldn’t help noticing an Apple (NSDQ: AAPL) ad touting its Leopard operating system dominating the sites’ respective home pages. Apparently, readers have been complaining. The Times tells The NY Observer that the publisher (that would be Arthur O. Sulzberger, Jr.) has decided it will limit the giant ads to once a month. Meanwhile, our friend Rex Hammock looks at the Mac ad’s placement on the WSJ.com and offers an insightful critique, deeming it ”the most brilliant online advertising I’ve ever seen,” adding, “I also think it’s mean-spirited and insincere.”

-- Toronto Star: Toronto Star employees have voted 96 percent in favor of a strike against the flagship newspaper of publisher Torstar Corp. A strike could begin as early as Saturday. At issue: overtime pay and the use of freelancers. The newspaper’s union last struck in 1992 but the Canadian Press reports that talks continued Friday in an effort to avert strike. Update: The paper and the union have reached a tentative agreement, averting a strike. Details of the agreement will remain confidential until the union votes to ratify it, which is expected shortly. Release.

-- Media General: Investor group Harbert Management has raised its stake in Media General (NYSE: MEG) to 18.4 percent, according to an amended SEC filing. Harbert holds roughly 4.1 million shares, or an 18.4 percent based on 22.1 million shares outstanding as of Nov. 4. Last month, the group said it held 2.2 million shares, or a 9.9 percent stake in the Richmond, Va.-based company. As part of its efforts to gain more control, Harbert also might try to make additional nominations to Media General’s board. (AP)

-- Belo: The Dallas-based media company said that it has received word from the IRS that its split into two companies will not be taxed. The company expects the split to be complete on Feb. 8. Release.