Tribune Company Scribes: Koch Brothers Purchase Could Turn Papers Into "Conservative Mouthpiece"

[marmar]

Tribune Company Scribes: Koch Brothers Purchase Could Turn Papers Into "Conservative Mouthpiece"

Tuesday, 23 April 2013 13:50
By Joe Strupp, Media Matters | Report


New reports that the politically conservative Koch brothers are interested in buying the Tribune Company's eight regional newspapers -- which include the Los Angeles Times and Chicago Tribune -- are sparking concerns from newspaper staff members that attempts to influence the editorial process in favor of their far-right political views may follow.

Among those concerned is Clarence Page, a top Chicago Tribune columnist, who said he would oppose a takeover of the paper by David and Charles Koch because of "the fact that they seem to be coming in upfront with the idea of using a major news media as a vehicle for their political voice."

Since Sunday, both The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal have reported that the Kochs are among leading contenders to purchase the newspapers from the financially troubled Tribune Company.

In addition to the Los Angeles Times and Chicago Tribune, the Kochs are reportedly seeking to buy The Baltimore Sun, the Orlando Sentinel, the South Florida Sun Sentinel, The Hartford Courant (Hartford, CT), The Morning Call (Allentown, PA), and the Daily Press (Hampton Roads, VA). ..........................(more)

The complete piece is at: http://b-toha.cloudaccess.net/news/item/15915-tribune-company-scribes-koch-brothers-purchase-could-turn-papers-into-conservative-mouthpiece

[dipsydoodle]

1. Doesn't seem that long ago

that despite the denials of News Corp that they were not interested in buying either / both the Los Angeles Times and Chicago Tribune some here didn't believe that.

[madrchsod]

3. the tribune has always been a right wing rag since it opened in the 1800`s

although it has moderated over the years the paper still is conservative. the paper has lost page count and advertising pages. the suburban collar counties and it`s newspapers are more influential than the tribune. i went to school with one of the owners of one of the most influential media groups in these counties. that family has been in the news business for over 100 yrs. due to it`s purchase of smaller newspapers and shopper guides this news group is taking the page count and advertisers from the tribune.

the kock bros will sell the tribune when they figure out the investment is`t paying off...

[dipsydoodle]

5. I meant only in respect

of whether or not News Corp only ever lie. It would seem to be not only not so but also that some here should more carefully consider what they say.

[BlueCaliDem]

2. Why does this surprise anyone? In order to install a fascist government, you need to brainwash the

people. They've already taken over the radio airwaves and most news sources. Buying up newspapers is the next logical step.

[nc4bo]

4. Seems kindof a dumb move to me but I'm no 1%er.

Aren't newspapers experiencing a severe decline in readership in favor of the variety of news and world events available via the internet?

If this is true, than exactly what huge profit do Grim Brothers expect to make on their investment?

I guess they could do what Murdoch does and charge for online subscriptions, but still there's that pesky problem of the internet.

[dipsydoodle]

6. The money in hard copy newspapers

ceased to be news related years ago - for a long time its been advertising and general articles / features.

[davekriss]

7. Neo-Fascism a march!!

[KharmaTrain]

8. The 1950s Called...They Want Their Memes Back...

...Quick, name the last time you chose a candidate...especially President or Senator or Governor based on a newspaper endorsement? <jeopard theme>...I'm betting it's not too often if at all. The days of Colonel McCormick or Joseph Pulitzer being "kingmaker" passed with Citizen Kane. Today newspapers are dying...especially the dead-tree version...and especially the Chicago Tribune. Advertising revenues no longer flow in...going to television and online instead and it doesn't even serve as a primary source of news or information for most people...clipping coupons is about all most papers are good for these days.

I'm all for the Kochroaches wasting lots of their money in keeping these papers going. The previous owner, Sam Zell, saw his company bleed so much money it took years to sort out the bankruptcy...and he had the advantage of a slew of television stations to offset the losses...the Kochroaches won't have such options....