News Corp. is near a deal to sell the conservative Weekly Standard magazine to Denver billionaire Philip Anschutz, according to a report.
The Los Angeles Times, citing “people familiar with the situation,” said the magazine’s unprofitable nature is the motivation for the sale. Or, the Times suggested, Rupert Murdoch, chief executive and chairman of News Corp., may be leaning toward more politically moderate views.
Jack Horner, director of corporate affairs and communications for News Corp., declined to comment on the report.
Anschutz spokesman Jim Monaghan said, “We do not comment on speculative articles or statements by people.”
The Weekly Standard, founded in 1995, is published 48 times a year and edited by Wil liam Kristol and Fred Barnes.
Anschutz has made significant investments in Los Angeles’ entertainment, sports and infrastructure industries.
Forbes magazine estimates his net worth to be $5 billion.
In May, Anschutz Corp. announced plans to build a wind farm in Wyoming at an estimated cost of $5 billion.
Sara Castellanos: 303-954-1381 or scastellanos@
