The other Les speaks

By SDH Dow Jones's new low key CEO Les Hinton, has been relatively silent since moving into Richard Zanino's old office. But with the dust starting to settle, the media industry's other Les speaks about, the effort to make Dow Jones and News Corp one big happy family under one big roof and why it was crazy of them to have spun the idea about taking down the paid wall at The Wall Street Journal's website WSJ.com. "The initial thought was if we were not having a pay barrier, we could grow very quickly and get the resulting advertising. That frankly was probably a little bit simplistic because ... it has over a million subscribers. Without going into detail, we get tens of millions in revenue from it." Hinton signals WSJ-News Corp tie-up [Media Guardian]

Rupert Murdoch beefing up Dow Jones

BY SDH Dow Jones has long been a blip in comparison to other financial media companies like Thomson Bloomberg and Reuters, and now that both Thomson and Reuters are awaiting word on their pending join up, Dow Jones will end up being an even smaller blip. But New Dow Jones ruler Rupert Murdoch is working to make sure his little blip is still visible and has a voice to compete with the big boys. King Rupe's News Corp in an effort to bulk up Dow Jones' financial news coverage overseas, has purchased Betten Financial News and Dow Jones enterprise media group President Clare Hart spits the usual on why! We're dedicated to increasing our coverage of local markets in local languages, and this acquisition helps us to better serve the needs of our European customers," Dow Jones buys Betten Financial News [Reuters]

Is The New York Times Company slowly on its way to being taken over? The Ochs-Sulzberger family could be in for the fight of their media lives

BY SDH I am sure many have thought about it, many have even put word out, but at the end of the day, none have made a serious run at it. What am I talking about? Well the tightly held New York Times Co of course. If the majority owners aren't even willing to think about a sale, then any attempt to make an offer may be useless, unless you can go deep down in your pockets and the pockets of friends and come back up with a sum, the controlling Ochs-Sulzberger family can't refuse. See the key to break kung fu grips like these, is to make an offer that will spark in-fighting and somewhat destabilize the formation. Rupert Murdoch did this and won Dow Jones. Microsoft is trying the same thing with Yahoo! I love families like the Ochs-Sulzberger family, the Bancrofts and the Mohns who control German media giant Bertelsmann. They put out this image that says, "we cannot be bought". Well we all know the Bancrofts can be bought, but what about these other controlling families who keep their hands in the day to day of their companies? Some shareholders have been fighting the Ochs-Sulzberger family to loosen their grip on the company but the family never budges. Now hedge fund Harbinger Capital Partners has upped its stake in the company from 12 percent to about 19 percent and is fighting to get four board seats. The investment firm says it isn’t pleased with what they basically call ass dragging on the digital front by New York Times brass. Is this the prelude to an even bolder move? With four board seats, Harbinger will have a loud voice next to the Ochs-Sulzberger’s. Maybe it is time for a new time at the New York Times but what will it take for this to happen? My guess on what the Sulzberger family's anwswer would be.... "A Cold Day In Hell"

Next week is Super Tuesday earnings report week

-SDH Next week's entertainment line up is looking to be an exciting one. On Monday, News Corp will report its 2nd Quarter Fiscal 2008 results. On this call analysts will be waiting to hear about any plans in the works for the recently acquired Dow Jones as well why they decided to not free up the Wall Street Journal website, DUH! On Tuesday it will be Disney's turn to spill the beans about their First Quarter 2008 Financials. Disney is expected to announce earnings of 52 cents a share on $10 billion in revenue, not too bad Bobby! Can we get some acquisition news soon though? Saving the best for last, Jeff Bewkes will make his debut on Time Warner's earnings call as CEO on Wednesday. We have no doubts analysts are itching for this one. Some of the questions Bewkes and his team are expected to face will include, what are his plans for the oversized company, AOL, Time Inc etc... Oh yeah they are expected to report earnings of 29 cents a share on revenue of $12.6 billion. But we all know analysts will be more concerned about Bewkes's plans for the structure of the company. Media conglomerates seen posting higher profits [MarketWatch]

News Corp begins to offset cost of Dow Jones

-RAY After recently dropping over $5 Billion on Dow Jones, News Corp has already begun the offsetting process. The company announced that it sold off 8 television stations for $1.1 Billion. This comes as reports are popping up about a possible sale of Harper Collins to the book loving Germans at Bertelsmann AG News Corp said in a statement Saturday the deal was expected to close in the third calendar quarter of next year. The sale of the Fox affiliate stations in small markets will leave News Corp with 27 stations in major markets including New York, Boston and Los Angeles. News Corp to Sell 8 TV Stations for $1.1 Billion [CNBC]

Christopher Bancroft: I'm sorry we won't be as involved with Dow Jones now, were they ever? Rich Zannino knows his high end fashion

-YOSH It looks like reality has set in for some members of the Bancroft family who ruled Dow Jones for decades up until yesterday. Now that they no longer have control of the company, Bancroft family member Chris Bancroft is all sad, even with a fatter bank account. “I’m sad we’re no longer going to be involved as we had been, but I look forward to Rupert doing a great job in keeping Dow Jones and The Wall Street Journal the quality organizations they have been,” said Christopher Bancroft, a Dow Jones board member. “I hope it doesn’t change in a way that would cause it to lose the credibility it has had. I’m optimistic.” As far as former Dow Jones CEO Rich Zannino goes... he's already getting some good advice from Dow Jones board member Evelyn Y. Davis who suggested to Mr. Zannino that he return to the apparel industry. She even challenged him to tell her which designer she was wearing and to no surprise, Zannino got it right. She was wearing Valentino. Hey, did Gap ever find a new CEO? Zannino should apply. News Corp. Completes Takeover of Dow Jones [NYT]

Rupert Murdoch on his plans for the Journal, its competitors and what he would have done if he was the Financial Times

-SDH Moments after he officially took control of Dow Jones, Rupert Murdoch did what any other media mogul who owns a cable business network would have done, he stopped by his Fox Business News studios for a sit down with FBN lead anchor Neil Cavuto. In his strong Aussie twang, Rupert speaks of what’s to come for the Wall Street Journal and Dow Jones. Rupe totally forgetful of the fact that with the Thomson-Reuters merger Dow Jones will have to work double time to become a prominent player in financial information says he wants it to be the preeminent source of financial news and information. Asked by Cavuto if he bought a dinosaur Rupert of course did not and does not believe that. We look forward to what’s coming.

Rupert Murdoch wants to celebrate but not everyone is in the mood for celebrating

-YOSH Rupert Murdoch and his News Corpians are so happy that they finally got the keys to Dow Jones, they plan to celebrate via a $2 million ad campaign set to go live tomorrow touting the company's accomplishments. The company bought up ad space in major newspapers but not all of them want to share in Murdoch's joy. The Financial Times and the China Daily - have so far declined to run the in your face ads,but that won't stop News Corp from sharing their joy. News Corp. official said it was the first time the company has done branded advertising. Spanning three pages and playing off Dow Jones' motto, the headline is "Free People, Free Markets, Free Thinking," and trumpets Murdoch's convention-challenging accomplishments over several decades. Those include the launches of the Sun tabloid and BSkyB satellite broadcasting in England, the creation of Fox television (and The Simpsons) in the United States, the Fox News Channel, and the purchase of MySpace two years ago. "It's the first time we've given the company a narrative that expresses how we've gone against convention in providing greater choice and diversity in entertainment and information to consumers around the world," said a company insider. What better way to rub your accomplishments in the face of your competitors but taking out ads in the very papers your fellow media CEOs probably read. WE LOVE IT! Murdoch ad squelched by FT, Chinese daily [Fortune]

NON-SHOCKER: Dow Jones board backs sale to News Corp

Shareholders Back Dow Jones Sale [NYT]

And now this morning's worth mentioning media business news

-SDH With all the changes Rupert Murdoch has already made at Dow Jones & Co, like setting up an office for himself there, firing and hiring new people to run the Wall Street Journal, it makes you wonder why in the world a vote if even needed tomorrow. Is it like a ceremonial vote to mark the official transfer of ownership or something? For all we know the Bancrofts are already fighting over their cut of the $5 Billion Rupert paid for the joint. [NYT] The porn guys at Penthouse Media Group are doing the same things the guys are doing at other media companies like News Corp are doing. They are dropping major green on social networking sites to drive business. [NYT] Something called The Competition Commission is pushing for BskyB to cut it's share in ITV from 17.9% to between 5 and 10%. Will James Murdoch, son of Rupert go for that? [MediaGuardian] While it's employees were outside screaming "WE WANT OUR BENEFITS BACK YOU BASTARDS", Viacom/MTV was busy sending out press releases like the once announcing formation of Digital Fusion, a new group that will focus on creating customized cross media campaigns for advertisers [Mediaweek]

With James Murdoch now dubbed the heir to his daddy Rupert's empire, should Peter Chernin be weighing his options, if not now then soon?

-YOSH Rupert Murdoch opened up a can of moves across News Corp and his new baby Dow Jones yesterday. One of those moves included his son James being named to oversee everything across Europe and Asia which some say solidifies his position as heir to the News Corp throne. So what does all this mean for longtime News Corp number two Peter Chernin? Should such talk make it clear to him that, he kinda out of a job if and when James does take over? Unless he wants to be the longest serving President & Chief Operating Officer in media, and that's if James will even have him. But we won't jump the gun too soon on this because Rupert is known for making things work and it could end up being a power sharing thing between Chernin and the younger Murdoch. But even still, with his experience and long run at News Corp, Chernin may want to finally be the shot caller at a media firm where he has the final say. In the mean time, James Murdoch is being groomed right in front of our eyes. Oh yeah did we mention that their is still the possibility of Lachlan Murdoch getting back in the picture? Murdoch is making the switch from BSkyB's south-west London base in Osterley to News International's east London HQ, as he steps up from his job as the satellite broadcaster's chief executive to become the chairman and chief executive of his father Rupert's extensive media businesses across two continents. He is also stepping into his father's shoes as the non-executive chairman of Sky, in which News Corp is the largest shareholder. "It's going to make a lot of people feel very old," one News International journalist said of 34-year-old Murdoch Jr's imminent arrival. Murdoch Jr in at Wapping next week [MG]

The Murdochization of Dow Jones: Rupert Murdoch does the expected, say hello to the other Les

If the Bancrofts were to swing by the offices of their once beloved company, Dow Jones, in about a month or so, they probably wouldn’t know the people who are now running the show there. Final papers haven't been signed yet and already Rupert Murdoch, the man who wined and dined the Bancrofts into selling him their company, is already putting his stamp all over it. As expected, Dow Jones CEO Richard Zaninno is gone, in what seems to be a rush out the door, and a new CEO has been named. Based on earlier published reports all bets were on former Times of London editor Robert Thomson taking the helm, putting the legendary company back in the leading hands of a journalist. But Rupert and company pulled a sneaky one and installed yet another Murdochian (someone loyal to the Murdoch’s) out of his hat in naming Les Hinton CEO of Dow Jones. In naming Hinton CEO, Thomson was also named Publisher of the Wall Street Journal, signaling Rupert's desire to keep a tight grip on things at the company. But what will happen when both Hinton and Thomson move into their new rolls and start calling the shots? OK so that was such a cliche question that we all know the answer to. Word is there are more departures expected from the company as Murdoch moves to fill the executive offices with hand picked individuals from across News Corp. Will the Wall Street Journal's newsroom be made over as well with faces familiar to both Hinton and Thomson? This is only the beginning and we can't wait to see how it all plays out. Oh yeah, and that promise Rupert made in writing to not snoop around editorial, did they think he wouldn't find a way around that? With Rupert’s plans to take down the paid wall of the Wall Street Journal’s website, Hinton and Thomson have one of their first challenges in keeping the site revenue driven. On another not, why do we get the impression that News Corp's so called number two Peter Chernin was kept out of this deal? Just asking. -SDH Les Hinton to take reins as Dow Jones CEO [Fortune]

As it turns out,Robert Thomson's Chinese connections run army deep

QUICK NOTE: Robert Thomson the potential new CEO of Dow Jones probably has a watch with a pin in it, that he can pull if he gets mugged or something and the Chinese military will coming running to his rescue. Thomson's wife is the daughter of a Chinese general who probably keeps close electronic tabs on his daughter. The Australian born Thomson seems to have a thing for all things Chinese. He even co-authored the book 'The Chinese Army". So is it safe to say that communist China will be getting some favorable coverage in the Wall Street Journal if Thomson does indeed take the wheel at Down Jones? More on Thomson via his Wikipedia page.

Rob Thomson and Rupert Murdoch have man love for each other, and they both dig Asian chicks

-YOSH Robert Thomson may very well be the next CEO of Dow Jones, after current CEO Richard Zaninno departs after the deal closes next week. Perhaps Zannino will go back into fashion retail or something. Robert Thomson is probably Rupert Murdoch's most vocal supporter. He was the one cheering for Rupe on the sidelines during the whole showdown with the flip flopping Bancroft family, and as the deal comes to a close we are starting to see why. Rupert and Rob we're sure see eye to eye on many things business related and personal. But the biggest thing these two share in common, and this could be a huge part of their tight relationship, is that they are both into Asian chicks, literally. However, Rupert's wife Wendy is a hotter bone hands down.

See, Zannino may be toast sooner than we thought

-YOSH Dow Jones CEO Richard Zannino apparently won't be sticking around to find out if he would have survived in house of Murdoch. We mentioned yesterday that Zaninno could end up out the door in favor of a Murdochian and it looks like we sorta hit the nail on the head. But it was kind of given so we won't take full credit. Rupert Murdoch wants someone running Dow Jones that he knows and trusts. Zaninno's rumored replacement according to Newsweek, may be former Times of London Editor Robert Thomson. Installing a Journalist at the top of Dow Jones will no doubt put to rest some worries but spark some new ones. If Thomson is indeed installed as the new chief of Dow Jones, some may see it as Rupert Murdoch's little scheme plant his hands in the editorial process at the Wall Street Journal. Zaninno on the other hand probably can't wait to be outa there. Zannino's departure marks the beginning of high-level management changes that Murdoch's News Corp. is poised to begin announcing next week, according to people privy to the plans, who spoke on condition that they not be identified prematurely addressing the looming moves. One appointment will almost certainly involve Robert Thomson, editor of the News Corp.-owned Times of London. There's been lots of speculation of late that Thomson will take a top-level role at Dow Jones; just this week in the United Kingdom, headlines blared with predictions that a successor for Thomson will soon be named at the Times. Shakeup at Dow Jones [Newsweek] EARLIER: All jokes aside, will Dow Jones CEO Rich Zannino survive in the house of Murdoch?

All jokes aside, will Dow Jones CEO Rich Zannino survive in the house of Murdoch?

-YOSH So come next week, news Corp, if the world doesn't end, will close on its deal to swallow Dow Jones. But swallowing such a big company whole, causes gagging which will lead to News Corp throwing up, purging its inners of unfamiliar overpaid individuals to help offset the $5 Billion price tag. But how high up will the purging go? Dow Jones CEO Richard Zannino has always been an under the Radar kind of guy, even more so since he pushed for the takeover of the company. In pushing for the takeover Zannino may have just had one thing on his mind which is the cash he will pocket when the deal is done. But did he stop to think that he could be canned in favor of a Murdochian (a person loyal to the Murdochs). Then again it's probably written somewhere that he has to remain CEO of the company at least until his contract expires. However if Rupert Murdoch can get around a confused and dysfunctional family like the Bancrofts, he can get around a piece of paper. So is it likely that Rich Zannino will be shown the exit? Maybe not right away, but eventually he will be. We see Dow Jones, being reduced to simply a brand with all its businesses, like the Wall Street Journal and its web properties like Marketwatch.com being mixed into the News Corp swirl, leaving no need for a Richard Zannino

With the completion of the Dow Jones takeover imminent, so is the appointment of a new editor at The Times

-YOSH James Harding, if speculations are correct, will be installed as the new Editor at news Corp's The Times, replacing current editor Robert Thomson. The Times board is said to be meeting next week to finalize a deal two days before parent company News Corp closes on its takeover of Dow Jones. This is just the beginning of major shifting that's to come across News Corp. However, all the talk in News International's Wapping HQ is of an imminent new arrival in the Times editor's office, with one executive saying the appointment would be made "by the end of next week". Harding, the Times business editor, whom Thomson recruited from the Financial Times 18 months ago, is still regarded as the favoured candidate to replace him as editor. New Times editor next week? [MG]

News Corp rolls out "The No deal" technique while they work it out with the LinkedIN guys

-YOSH OK so who is going out of their way to reiterate that News Corp is not in talks to buy social networking business site, LinkedIn.com? The source is shooting down everything from a rumored $1 Billion price tag to Rupert Murdoch regretting his Dow Jones purchase. OK so he didn't shoot that one down. But in previous reports, both companies already made it clear, or attempted to make it clear that they aren't in talks whatsoever. But come on why wouldn't a deal happen? It makes sense and we all know Rupert isn't afraid to throw cash at things he wants. Don't they know that the more they deny that talks are going on the more people will think that talks are really going on? Clearly this is an attempt to keep speculation in the media about a possible deal, perhaps a technique to get the LinkedIN side to agree to a buyout because they are probably holding out for more money than News Corp thinks they're worth. "Strategically, it would be a great fit," Goldman Sachs analyst Anthony Noto told Reuters last week. Whether it makes financial sense hinges on price, he said. There is no way LinkedIn is worth $1 Billion. News Corp, LinkedIn not in takeover talks: source [Reuters]

And now this morning's worth mentioning media business news

-YOSH It looks like The New York Post's Page Six has finally taken on it's natural form [Pagesix.com] Live Nation CEO Michael Rapino is probably the most feared man in the music industry. Record label bosses better watch there artist [Fortune] Rupert Murdoch is planning to make WSJ.com a free website. But what exactly are his plans for that other barely mentioned Dow Jones news property, Marketwatch.com? [Fortune] What's the real word on Mark Zuckerberg and Facebook.com. Did that kid really get rich on a stolen Idea? [NYT] For Blog lord Nick Denton, losing three of his editors at his flagship blog gawker.com, is just the same old same old. [NYT] Lucky for Paramount's Brad Grey, David Geffen beefing with old man Sumner may have saved his ass from being replaced with perhaps Stacey Snider at the top of Paramount [NYP]

Media News aggregated

-MEDIA WIRE DAILY Jim Nail, an exec with Cymphony, the online advertising analytics firm, predicts that web properties like Youtube, Myspace and Facebook won't become the ABC, NBC and CBS of the 21st century. These fuckers really have time on their hands don't they? [CNNMoney] Is this a Murdoch call? DowJones is thinking about selling off their Ottaway group of eight daily and 15 weekly community newspapers and related media franchises. They seem to be lightening the load before Rupe takes control at the end of the year. [Marketwatch] Mad Money-ist Jim Cramer shares with us why media stocks are not the way to go right now. One word sums it all up GOOGLE [BloggingStocks] We don't think Jeff Bewkes will sell AOL but just in case he is planning to do so when he takes office, but here is another but familiar reason he should just spin it off [TWBS] Is Jeff Bewkes Ghost writing for the Carson Daly hosted "Last Call with Carson Daly" while writers are still on strike? [Reuters] Conde Nast and other's we can't bother to mention because there names are too long will to produce MOVIES ROCK(TM) a Celebration of Music in Film, but the names scheduled to appear aren't that exciting. [PRNW]

News corp, the evil republican media empire?

-By YOSH We all know that News Corp CEO Rupert Murdoch is a huge Republican backer. We all know that he uses his print properties, specifically his newspapers to make sure the republican message gets out. But are News Corp's Republican ties waste deep to the point where a senior executive allegedly tried to talk deposed Regan Books head Judith Regan into hiding her past intimate relationship with disgraced former NYC police commissioner Bernie Kerik to protect the presidential aspirations of Rudy Giuliani? What else has News Corp done or doing to protect the Republican agenda? How will Dow Jones and it's properties play into this? One-time book publishing powerhouse Judith Regan filed a $100 million defamation lawsuit Tuesday saying her former employers asked her to lie to federal investigators about Bernard Kerik, the former police commissioner who was once her lover, and tried to destroy her reputation.Regan, who worked for HarperCollins Publishers LLC, said the smear campaign stems from her past intimate relationship with Kerik, who was police commissioner under former Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, and from the political agenda of News Corp., the parent company of HarperCollins. Regan Files $100M Suit Against Publisher [Huff Wires]

and now this morning's worth mentioning media business news

TIME WARNER CABLE SUBSCRIBERS DROPPING LIKE IRAQI CIVILIANS The company lost a net 83,000 subscribers during the quarter, mainly due to difficulties in its Los Angeles and Dallas markets, which it acquired last year from bankrupt Adelphia Communications Corp. The losses brought its subscriber total to 13.3 million. NEWS CORP MAY THROW A BANCROFT A BONE Rupert Murdoch will make the Bancroft family feel important when the deal closes on his DowJones takeover. Natalie Bancroft, a member of the family that is selling Dow Jones & Co Inc for $5.6 billion, will join the News Corp board allegedly. VIACOM GETTING INDIAN MONEY FOR IT'S NEW INDIAN CHANNEL IN INDIA Indian media company Network18 said on Wednesday it would invest $90.5 million over three years in its joint venture with Viacom Inc, which will launch a Hindi-language general entertainment channel in India next year. RDA'S NEW FOODY AD NETWORK FOR FOODIES The Reader’s Digest Association is set to announce later today its Food Advertising Network@RDA, featuring a self-serve Web advertising service called AdWizard@RDA. The AdWizard allows marketers to create, track, and accordingly alter display ads in real-time across RDA’s Food and Entertaining Affinity, including Every Day with Rachael Ray, Taste of Home, Chef’s Catalog and Allrecipes.com. The project is geared mostly towards small to medium-sized companies. -YOSH

Note to FCC member Michael Copps: News Corp already has that influence you are soooo worried about, dummy

So, as usual there is always someone at the FCC trying to play hero. This time it's Commission member Michael Copps, who apparently woke up one morning and said to himself "Holy shit, that Rupert guy is too powerful" But what Mr. Copps doesn't know is that he is like a little too late. Copps is concerned that Rupert Murdoch's News Corp, now the baddest motherfucker in media, will have their hands in too many pots. ``It will create a single company with enormous influence over politics, art and culture across the nation and especially in the New York area,'' Copps said today in a letter to FCC Chairboy Kevin Martin, a Republican. Copps, one of two Democrats on the five-member panel, said the deal shouldn't proceed until the FCC studies the potential impact on competition, diversity and local-broadcast obligations in the New York market. The Federal Trade Commission granted early termination of an antitrust waiting period in August. FCC's Copps Wants Review of News Corp.-Dow Jones Deal [Bloomberg]

Is Fox Business already playing dirty?

NBC Universal's CNBC had ads scheduled to run on the front page of Marketwatch.com today. But then out of the blue, the agency what bought the ad space on behalf of CNBC got word from the folks at Marketwatch.com that they won't be able to run the ads after all. Hmmm? Is it a coincidence that, Marketwatch.com is owned by DowJones which is about to be taken over by Rupert Murdoch, whose new business network launches today? Is this the doings of Newscorp? Does Murdoch and company already have their hands in the DowJones pot? If this is the case, then no one should be surprised due to the fact that Fox Business Chairman and long time Murdoch lieutenant Roger Ailes is known for riding dirty! In early September, CNBC negotiated and signed a contract with Dow Jones to buy advertising that was to run today on two Dow Jones Web sites, MarketWatch and The Wall Street Journal site. Last Tuesday night, CNBC’s ad buyers received a call from a Dow Jones representative saying that those ads could not run today, the first day of Fox’s competing channel. In the case of MarketWatch, CNBC had bought both an introduction ad for the site — meaning that every user on the site today would have seen an ad for CNBC before getting to the MarketWatch home page — as well as what is called a “road block” of ads — meaning CNBC would have been the exclusive advertiser on the site’s home page today. Can Fox Win Its Frontal Assault Against CNBC? [NYT]

Are old media guys really looking to drop their old media assets?

Paul La Monica at CNNmoney.com asks "Will major media conglomerates soon unload some of their biggest assets?" We think the answer is a definite yes because media execs are constantly battling to become and/or remain relevant in the media business and to be relevant today is to be heavily invested in digital media. Some of them are even buying up web businesses with blind folds on praying that it works out in the long run and for some it does. Among the questions raised at Merrill Lynch’s media conference in California and Goldman Sachs’ Communacopia in New York: Will Barry Diller’s IAC (IACI) unload its struggling Home Shopping Network division? Will CBS (CBS) spin off its thriving outdoor advertising business? And if so, would it package in its slower-growth radio unit as well? Will News Corp. (NWS) sell off any more assets once its $5 billion purchase of Dow Jones closes? News Corp. disclosed plans earlier this summer to sell some local Fox TV stations and an international billboard business. Big media enters the spin zone [MediaBiz via CNNmoney.com]

Op-Ed columnists and more break free at NYtimes.com

The powers that be at The New York Times finally set its Op-Ed columnists and others free to be seen and read by all. We have to say that it was a total pain in the ass especially if its an article we were itching to read. We almost paid for the frigging thing one day and caught ourselves because we believed that the day would come. We guess freedom is contagious because now there is word that The Wall Street Journal's soon to be owner Rupert Murdoch is thinking about busting out the WSJ.com website as well. Lets see if the Financial Times will follow.

Thats like buying an Enzo and not being able to drive it, or something like that

-SDH Only an idiot would think Rupert Murdoch doesn't have the Bancroft family by the balls with the $5 Billion he has dangling in front of their faces. And only an idiot would think old Rupe will do a deal and not have full control at the wheel. Then again sometimes one has to sacrifice when they really want something. It looks like the Bancrofts who turned over negotiations to the DowJones board will sell but under one condition.......The Wall Street Journal can't be touched. Will Rupe accept these terms and get the deal done, or will he send it back with a big "I Don't Think So" written across it? The Bancroft's proposal calls for a Special Committee on Editorial and Journalistic Integrity and would limit News Corp.'s ability to control the Wall Street Journal brand. Dow Jones submits plan for editorial independence: report: [Reuters][

Just like we thought. The whole DowJones thing is turning into one big circus

We really thought that this DowJones News Corp thing would have gotten done with a touch of class sans the publicity hungry bids, but at some point someone would have pulled one out of their ass and that point came today. Brad Greenspan (no relation to former fed chief Allen) threw his hat in the wring for a shot at the DowJones title. Who is this man you ask? Well he's one of the guys current DowJones front runner Rupert Murdoch made rich when he shelled out over $500 Million for Myspace. This could be Greenspan's way of getting under Rupe's skin. Then again Rupert can buy Greenspan again along with DowJones. MySpace founder seeks Dow Jones stake [CNNmoney]

Rupert Murdoch continues to audition for DowJones

They say the man always wins and according to many, he is about to win yet again. Rupert Murdoch is said to be thisclose to seducing the Bancroft family into selling their company to him. It has been a long and perhaps painful audition for Rupe but we think Simon Cowell would have given him the thumbs up. The Bancroft family is starting to realize that Rupe's offer is as generous as they come as one unidentified Bancroft family member puts it all into perspective. You may love your house, but if someone offers you twice what it’s worth, you have to at least listen to the offer — no matter how much you like or dislike the buyer.” This just proves yet again that money talks and bull............well you know the rest! Dow Jones, Murdoch and an Enticing ‘Kiss’ [NYT]

Bancroft family will consider being tricked into selling out to Rupert Murdoch

The Bancroft family who controls DowJones will act as if they are weighing other options but will really be considering Rupert Murdoch's offer to buy them out. Of course there are some, especially in the newsrooms who are hoping a deal doesn't happen because they know what will happen the moment the ink dries on the agreement. So will the Bancrofts bite after behaving as though they weren't blown away by Rupe's generous offer? The family earlier on Thursday said it would meet Murdoch, a softening of its earlier opposition to his $60-per-share offer for the company. Sure you will Bancrofts, sure you will!! Dow Jones to consider Murdoch bid, other offers [Reuters]

Winners, Losers & Idiots This Week: Guess who are the idiots?

WINNERS: Dow Jones: Even though the newspaper business is struggling right, Dow Jones still managed to report an OK Q1 Cathy Black & Ann Moore: Both women sit atop vast magazine empires. Both have had failures. Both will turn all their focus to the internet, coming up with ways to milk advertisers. Eric Schmidt: The Google CEO has the media industry on their toes and guessing. While traditional media companies play catch up, Schmidt is slowly invading their territory NBC: for airing video and photos of the V Tech psycho which resulted in a spike in ratings CNN: For pulling any and all footage of the V Tech psycho in an effort to not upset families who could possibly give them interviews Hearst "Tower Awards" winners: Even though it means shit, Yeeeah! to Harper's, Popular Mechanics, Town & Country, Good Housekeeping and Cosmo Girl for taking home one of these shiny trophies Sumner Redstone: The man may be a shark when it comes to business but he does have a heart you know. The media grand daddy has pledged $105 million to fund cancer and burn research at three major U.S. health care centers. This has Paula Redstone written all over it. Mike Eisner: The former Disney dictator finally came out of the closet as a gun hater after living a lie all those years he ruled Disney with an iron fist. Marcus W. Brauchli: For landing what is considered the most powerful position in business journalism at the Wall Street Journal. If only he had a different last name though. Barry Diller: The web mogul is about to tap some black ass when he launches a new website targeting black Americans and other ethnic minorities online CONTINUED... LOSERS: Liz Spiers: The blog queen and her partners couldn’t see eye to eye so she walked away from the company she launched and started to build. You should have put your foot down Liz. Kurt Eichenwald: This poor fuck just can’t catch a break. Just when he thought he was out, they pull him back in. Celebrity Gossip rags: Celebrity gossip magazines like In Touch weekly, for trying to be serious with cover stories related to the V Tech murders. Stick to your celebrity stalking and leave the big stories to Time and Newsweek. Beth Comstock: She may be in the good graces of her bosses but some of her colleagues are not too fond of her and her and her ideas Tribune Employees: Don’t listen to Sam Zell. He is going to lay a bunch of you off Bob Johnson: Perhaps the BET founder should think about another media play because he is just not a good NBA team owner, or so they say. Mel karmazin: When is Mel going to realize that he may never get his merger approved? IDIOTS: Us. But you love it

Morning Wire: And now this morning's worthy media news...

With the exception of Dow Jones, it looks like every other major newspaper publisher had a sucky Q1, well at least the ones who reported so far [NYT] Hachette Filipacchi Media lands automotive ad firm jumpstart. [NYP] Google's rich just keep getting richer [NYP] Was NBC seeking ratings or giving the public what they want, or both? [Reuters]

What else will fall at New York Times Co?

-LENN HINDSMANN New York Times’ numbers are in and shareholders can't be happy. Advertising continues to be the source of many revenue declines in the newspaper business as advertisers continue to spend more money online. ARTHUR "Pinch" Sulzberger and company may want to shore up the company's digital business even more by the time Q4 comes around to offset any print ad pot holes. That’s what saved the folks at Wall Street Journal publisher Dow Jones. First-quarter net income was $23.9 million, or 17 cents a share, compared with $32.4 million, or 22 cents a share, in the same quarter a year earlier. Excluding special items, profit from continuing operations was 25 cents a share, unchanged from a year earlier.Analysts, on average, had expected the company to earn 18 cents a share on revenue of $785.2 million, according to Reuters Estimates. New York Times Co. quarterly profit, revenue fall [Reuters]

Morning Wire: And now this morning's worthy media news...

-NEIL YOSHIDA Dow Jones boss Dick Zanino was able to save some face when his company reported it's Q1 results yesterday, thanks to cuts and the company's Internet offerings. Dow Jones is the first American newspaper publisher to report quarterly earnings this season. Others due this week include The New York Times Company, the Tribune Company and Gannett. Spread some towels on the floors please. [NYP] With a pending new owner, Tribunites find themselves wondering what the future holds for them. That's easy, think Jason in Friday the 13th [NYP] The Star-Ledger of New Jersey submits revised circulation statements after realizing, they were 15k over. [NYP] New York Times Co Ruler Pinch Sulzberger has a supporter, kinda [NYP] Some advertisers who bailed on the hilarious Don Imus, say they forgive him and would even advertise with him again [Adweek] Bidders for Clear Channel are said to be upping their offer to $19.5 billion in hopes to close a deal soon. We say why not shoot for a cool $20 billion? That would close the deal yesterday. [Reuters]

Media two for one: Diller Kushner edition

-Shomari Hines Barry Diller is thisclose to announcing his latest venture, an online social destination for money professionals. We don't know if this is how Wall Street insiders will share inside information or gay stock brokers will hook up with other gay stock brokers but it will be a joint effort with The Wall Street Journal's David Kansas who will risk it all to head up the new venture. Jared Kushner is really serious about the media business and is constantly looking at ways to expand beyond the Observer. One of the things we would advise Jared on is to go light on the print media and heavy on the digital media. Don't go against whats happening now, roll with it, just put your own smell on it. DOW JONES, HOME SHOPPING GURU TEAM UP ON WEB SITE [NYP]

DowJones Chairmanship isn't going to Zannino

-Shomari Hines Perhaps the buck doesn't stop at DowJones CEO Dick Zannino, as the the company announced it will name Peter McPherson as his babysitter -AKA- Chairman. Oh wait, this is probably one of those things where the board doesn't want the Chairman & CEO title being held by one individual. "I look forward to continuing to work closely in this new capacity with my fellow directors, including Rich Zannino," McPherson said in a statement about the company's CEO. "The board believes Rich and his team are successfully executing the right strategy for the digital era. We are working to increase value for shareholders and customers by building on Dow Jones's heritage of journalistic excellence while developing new ways to provide vital business information to today's global audience." Dow Jones To Name Peter McPherson Chairman [E&P]

So this is why 62 went to the gallows at DowJones!

DowJones, publisher of the Wall Street Journal recently cut 62 people from the company. Now we're kinda slowly finding out why those salaries had to be cut now. The company awarded Chief Executive Officer Richard Zannino rights to about 22,800 shares, worth almost $900,000, while Journal Publisher Gordon Crovitz got rights worth about $497,000, the New York-based company said in a regulatory filing. The bonuses were awarded after cutbacks at Dow Jones, which eliminated jobs in 2006 as the Journal's circulation declined. The company began this month by shrinking the size of the flagship newspaper to save an estimated $18 million in printing costs this year. Earlier this month, the company cut jobs in its news archive and financial wire service. JOURNAL'S CEO GOT $893K BONUS [NYP]

CORRECTION: 62 dead at DowJones!

IN our post last week regarding some shuffles and layoffs at DowJones we shot a little too high on the number of folks getting, or at this point who actually got the axe. We realized this after receiving the following comments from a Diane Thieke, Director, Global Public Relations for Dow Jones As a director in the Dow Jones Public Relations team, I try to follow the many blog posts about Dow Jones and its various units. After reading this particular post, I feel I should clarify that Dow Jones did not “drop the axe on a reported 98 employees.” Instead, 98 positions – not people – were eliminated from the Dow Jones Enterprise Media Group. This number included open positions that had not been filled, so ultimately there were 62 people affected by the cuts.

98 dead at DowJones!

Don't be alarmed by our sick choice of a headline. But Dow Jones dropped the axe on a reported 98 employees due to some recent shuffles. The Publisher of the Wall Journal bought the other half of the Factiva news database that it didn't already own from Reuters Group PLC. Under the new structure, Factiva will be combined into a new group with Dow Jones Newswires and a licensing services business.Clare Hart, who oversees all of Dow Jones' business-focused media and information units, will also take charge of the newly restructured unit that includes Factiva and Dow Jones Newswires. Nobody likes to see a colleague walk out the door," Hart said, but emphasized that the cuts were "a small number" that involved eliminating redundancies. Then don't look Clare! Dow Jones Eliminates 98 Jobs After Buying Rest of Factiva [E&P]

Morning Wire: And now this morning's worthy media news, and yes this includes yap about the new iPhone

Everyone is asking which billionaire is looking to buy Tribune. We know its not Rupert Murdoch. No we don't have a direct line to the man, but come on, it just wouldn't make sense for News Corp at this point....or would it? [ETP] Steve Jobs finally does what we all said he would do and announced the expected iPhone. Now start saving [Reuters] The already thick layers of management at Dow Jones just got thicker, with the creation of 3 seperate groups created from their enterprise media group [Reuters] We bet some naive jackass at Time Inc is working extra hard now more than ever thinking he/she will be spared when Anne "The Butcher" goes on her latest blood splatter spree. [Mediaweek] To hell with Google. CMP Technology,best place to work for gays and lesbians [PRNW] Wonder what Mel Karmazin would have given Howard Stern if they exceeded their year end subscriber goal by 4 million? [NYT]

Morning Wire: And Now The Morning's Worthy Media News

Newsroom bleed at Philadelphia Inquirer 68 to 71 employees will be shown the exit door at the Philadelphia Inquirer so the deep pocket businessmen who took her over can start saving some green. DTV Isn't enough for Liberty's Malone Rupert Murdoch's former thorn in the ass John Malone is said to be eyeing Cablevision's Rainbow Media unit. Say it through the competitor What better way to get your bosses attention than taking out an ad in a competing newspaper. The union representing staffers at the Journal took out an ad today in a rival, The New York Times, calling into question Dow Jones� commitment to quality journalism.

Morning Wire: Another media departure, Another media blitz and more

News Corp keeps it's interactive unit in the Levinsohn bloodline yet another late late announcement yesterday evening about yet another big media departure of some sorts, this one from the News Corp camp. The head of the company's Fox Interactive unit has left the building. But not to worry he will be replaced by his cousin. Hey keeping it in the family is the safe way to go we guess. Ross Levinsohn, whose deal-spotting savvy led him to convince News Corp. Chief Executive Rupert Murdoch to buy popular Internet social network MySpace and games Web network IGN Entertainment, will leave to pursue other ventures, he said in a statement. O.J Simpson is about to milk the media, and they will let him It looks like an OJ media blitz is on the horizon with all the controversy and talk surrounding the disgraced former NFL star's new book titled "If I Did It". The interviews are rolling out and the tabloid show coverage is enough to make the Juice a tabloid darling. Publisher Judith Regan will sure get her share of media coverage and death threats as well. So we would advise her to at least look into hiring armed bodyguards until this blows over, and it will. Dow Jones better get it together new Dow Jones chief Rich Zannino and his management team may need to bring in some coffee bagels, muffins and other breakfast items as they are still locked in dragged out talks with union officials. Besides a new dress-code policy, union demands include protections for the dismissal of senior employees, wage increases of 8 percent, a promise to do away with outsourcing, an extra week of vacation and additional personal days. -Shomari Hines

Super Editor may soon be revealed at Dow Jones

Dow Jones the publisher of the Wall Street Journal wants to install a super duper Editor for it's print and Online properties. Longtime Wall Street Journal Managing Editor Paul Steiger will stay on until the end of 2007. The financial publishing giant positioned Paul Ingrassia, head of its newswires and viewed as a lead contender for Steiger's job, for a more senior role - perhaps in a newly created position as company-wide managing editor, insiders said. Wow a Lockhart Steele for Dow Jones! read...

Conde Nast's Lipman, wants business with former colleague, and no the name of the new mag is not Conde Nast Business

Joanne Lipman the EIC for Conde Nast's yet to be named business magazine is looking to beef up her staff with some familiar faces. First on her list is James Stewart currently a contributor to David Remnick's New Yorker and pens a monthly column for the Hearst/Dow Jones-owned Smart Money. However Stewart like many who end up jumping ship anyway stated the following: "I think Joanne is great and very talented, but at the moment I don't have any plans about moving anywhere," Ms. Lipman isn't the only one with her eyes on the Stew. Businessweek tried to seduce Mr. Stewart to join their team as well but we guess the money wasn't right. read....

Morning Wire: Vivendi says no to a Viacom

French media giant and the vacuum that sucked away the Bronfman family fortune Vivendi has rejected a break up proposal from a top shareholder. The board and top management believe the company is better off as is and you know what, maybe they're right. The company earned 707 million euros ($900 million) in the first quarter, up from 501 million euros a year earlier. Analysts surveyed by Dow Jones had expected net profit of 561 million euros ($714 million). Vivendi said it expected adjusted net profit to grow by 16 percent, to about 2.4 billion euros ($3.1 billion) this year, compared with a previous forecast of 11 to 13 percent. Adjusted net profit excludes charges like impairment of good will and income from discontinued operations. read....

Weekend Journal a drag for Dow Jones

Wall Street Journal publisher Dow Jones admitted yesterday that advertisers aren't that interested in it's weekend version of the paper. This announcement sent greedy investors who can't bare to lose a penny in selling spree sending the company's stock price down $1.46. The surprise softness at the Weekend Edition, which debuted last September in the hope of luring luxury goods and lifestyle advertisers, was the most high-profile problem in the publishing giant's report. It's a good thing that Joanne Lipman who oversaw the launch of the weekend journal is safely in the luxury offices at Conde Nast. More.....

Media Soup:Les reports less, Zannino going heavy on the media, The CW isn't quite here yet but the hirings must go on

Today's soup not all that tasty and easy to digest: Les Moonves' CBS Corp $9 Billion in the hole [ap] New Dow Jones topper Dick Zannino postioning DJ as a major media player [ap] The soon to be launched CW network is on a hiring spree [B&C] Is John Malone Time Warner's new problem? [nyt] Hey Tom Freston's Viacom aint looking too good right now either, but it's Brad Grey's fault [ap] Another Greenspan is suing News Corp over myspace.com takeover [lab]

Morning Blabber: WSJ's new editor, Viacom's income

Dow Jones & Co. put online-publishing chief Gordon Crovitz in charge of the company's flagship newspaper, The Wall Street Journal, merging the company's print and Internet divisions. The newly formed Viacom Inc., owner of MTV, VH1 and Nickelodeon, reported lower earnings due mainly to charges and weak results at its Paramount movie studio. [nydn]

Dow Jones gets new boss in Zannino . And he's young too!

Newspaper publisher Dow Jones got rid of the old and tapped the new to lead the company yesterday. The board announced that company COO Rich Zannino will take over as CEO and guess what? The guy isn't even a journalist. [NYP]