Feds file antitrust suit to block California newspaper sale

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Associated Press

Feds file antitrust suit to block California newspaper sale

Amy Taxin, Associated Press

Updated 3:13 pm, Thursday, March 17, 2016

SANTA ANA, Calif. (AP) — The federal government filed an antitrust lawsuit Thursday in an attempt to block Tribune Publishing from buying the bankrupt Orange County Register and Press-Enterprise newspapers in Southern California.

The suit was filed in federal court hours after Tribune, which publishes the Los Angeles Times and San Diego Union-Tribune, announced it had placed a winning $56 million bid for the two newspapers owned by Freedom Communications.

The sale would give Tribune a monopoly over newspaper sales in Orange and Riverside counties and allow it to increase subscription prices and advertising rates, U.S. Justice Department said in a statement.

. . .

The sale would string together the biggest newspapers in each of four Southern California counties with a combined population of 18 million, consolidating control over news and advertising in the region.

Read more: http://www.chron.com/news/us/article/Tribune-Publishing-places-top-bid-for-Orange-6895493.php

[floriduck]

1. Wow, the OC Register is bankrupt?

Couldn't happen to ab more right wing newspaper. If you didn't wander beyond the sports pages, you were safe.

[elljay]

2. Who Owns the Tribune Publishing Company?

Wall Street investment firms, mainly Oaktree Capital Management (its principals donate quite a bit to politicians in both parties, no doubt because they have no firm political views themselves and not at all because they are trying to buy influence with everyone). Other main owners are Angelo, Gordon (Mary Pat Christie was on their board until last year) and JP Morgan Chase.

Isn't it always a great idea to allow Wall Street investment firms to control our media?

[proverbialwisdom]

3. Update.

http://touch.latimes.com/#section/1780/article/p2p-86401214/

Editor and 70-plus others said to be out at the Orange County Register

BY ANH DO
March 31, 2016, 2:52 p.m.

Rob Curley, editor of the Orange County Register, confirmed on Thursday that it would be his last day leading the paper.

At the conclusion of a bankruptcy auction just over a week ago, a judge in Santa Ana approved the sale of the Register and the Riverside Press-Enterprise -- which had been owned by Freedom Communications -- to Digital First Media.

Curley was among some 70-plus Register employees who, according to sources who spoke on condition of anonymity when discussing the paper, were being targeted for layoffs. He joined Freedom in 2012 and, before becoming editor, served as deputy editor of local news, leading a relaunch of the Register's 22 community newspapers.

Reflecting on what he called the joys of working at a newspaper, Curley said: "I like the fact that we, as a major metropolitan newspaper, can be a strong reflection of our community. The Register has always been known for taking these big chances visually. It's caring. It's thorough. It puts the Brea girls winning the state basketball championships on the cover," as well as precise analysis pieces.

<>

[Judi Lynn]

4. What a shame.The dirty business of wiping out real news coverage at the local level is going strong.

There has been a steady, unswerving movement from the elites to destroy all real awareness ordinary US Americans have of anything going on around them.

It's shocking to see so many people terminated at once in a vital business connecting citizens with the information they REALLY need if there is to be any sense of civility, security, and community.

This isolates, the people from their own neighborhoods and cities, and provides all the concealment any dirty politicians can use.

What a miserable shame.

Do the people just sit like mushrooms and watch this happening until they are completely cut off from everything other than what various movie stars are wearing to award ceremonies?

Thank you, proverbialwisdom, for taking the time to provide this information. We need to know.

[Dont call me Shirley]

5. OMG!!!!!!! Enforcing Anti-Trust Laws!!!!!! I think I'm gonna faint!!!!!!