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Murdoch Sets Crosshairs on Times

Billionaire Journal owner hopes to poach business from Gray Lady

By Dustin Lushing, Newser Staff

Posted Aug 13, 2007 5:48 PM CDT

(Newser) – With the ink still drying on his takeover of The Wall Street Journal, Rupert Murdoch is already setting his sights on the New York Times—the current newspaper of choice for the Northeastern elite. The Australian tycoon is planning to challenge the Times by expanding the Journal's "coverage of national, international and nonbusiness news," the LA Times reports.

The Journal will increase by four pages, with more editorial coverage and more staff in Europe and Asia, and could possibly slash advertising rates and the cover price despite Murdoch's refusal to ignite a price war, one insider reports. "Rupert thinks the Times is vulnerable," an exec said. "He's going to go after them."

[Images (5)]

[Videos (1)]

A New York Times delivery van makes it rounds. As print-industry woes continue, Murdoch strikes while his targets are vulnerable. (Associate Press)

The New York Times building, New York City. Murdoch has made no secret of his desire to acquire the publication after his completion of the Dow Jones deal. (Associated Press)

Having recently acquired the parent company of the Wall Street Journal, Murdoch now apparently has his sights set on the New York Times. (Getty Images)

"Rupert thinks the Times is vulnerable," said a longtime senior executive. "He's going to go after them." (Getty Images (by Event))

Australian media tycoon Rupert Murdoch (center) enjoys a snack at a family outing. (Getty Images (by Event))

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Murdoch Sets Crosshairs on Times