The Desk appreciates the support of readers who purchase products or services through links on our website. Learn more...

Tribune Company to leave newspapers with millions in debt

Photo of author
By:
»

mkeys@thedesk.net

Share:
The Los Angeles Times building. (Photo: Flickr / LA Wad)
The Los Angeles Times building. (Photo: Flickr / LA Wad)

The Tribune Company will leave its eight newspapers with over $300 million in debt once the predominately-broadcast company spins off its print division later this year.

According to a filing made by the company with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Friday, the new company called Tribune Publishing will pay its parent company $275 million when the print business separates from Tribune Company’s digital and broadcast properties.

When the print side of the business is spun off, it is expected to carry $325 million in debt. Some of the country’s largest newspapers, including the Los Angeles Times and the flagship Chicago Tribune, will form Tribune Publishing.

The separate company will allow Tribune to avoid hefty taxes that would normally come with selling off part or all of its print properties. It will also allow Tribune Company to collect around $30 million annually in rent from the smaller Tribune Publishing until the end of 2017.

Since emerging from bankruptcy last year, the Tribune Company has focused squarely on its digital and broadcast offerings. The company expanded its television portfolio by acquiring 19 T.V. stations from Local TV, LLC last December for nearly $3 billion.

The company eliminated over 800 positions at its newspaper properties last year, according to financial statements.

Chicago Tribune: Tribune publishing company to take on $300mil in debt

Never miss a story

Get free breaking news alerts and twice-weekly digests delivered to your inbox.

We do not share your e-mail address with third parties; you can unsubscribe at any time.

promo sling evergreen desktop banner
Photo of author

About the Author:

Matthew Keys

Matthew Keys is the award-winning founder and editor of TheDesk.net, an authoritative voice on broadcast and streaming TV, media and tech. With over ten years of experience, he's a recognized expert in broadcast, streaming, and digital media, with work featured in publications such as StreamTV Insider and Digital Content Next, and past roles at Thomson Reuters and Disney-ABC Television Group.