[Husker] Warren Buffett buys the OWH?!

[Mike Jaixen]

Considering that, from my perspective, Charlie Munger has more conservative political leanings than does Warren Buffett, I don't anticipate much of any change in editorial direction at the daily fishwrap. Other than you probably won't find any criticism of Buffett in the Omaha paper going forward...if there ever was any in the first place.


I am curious about the business dynamics of the purchase, because it's generally considered that newspapers are a dying industry.  Obviously, Warren sees something in this purchase that many others don't.  And no, I don't consider the W-H an exceptional newspaper.  They do have a state-of-the-art printing operation that probably could be used more than it is.

If it were a "community infrastructure" investment, I would have expected Mr. Buffett to use his own personal funds rather than Berkshire funds to make the deal.

 
Mike Jaixen
http://huskermike.blogspot.com
http://www.cornnation.com


________________________________
 From: Steve Reichenbach <reich at inetnebr.com>
To: husker at tssi.com; jocar26 at cox.net 
Sent: Thursday, December 1, 2011 9:53 AM
Subject: Re: [Husker] Warren Buffett buys the OWH?!
 
Why not wait to post your "guess" until you have informed yourself of
relevant facts?

In fact, BH has ownership in other newspapers (despite his public
comments that the newspaper industry is not a good investment) and
by all accounts regarding those newspapers does not play any role in
editorial policies.  Speculation on this purchase is that it is to
help prop up an important local business --- i.e., that it is not
political nor a lucrative investment.

Of course, one never can be sure how those working at the newspaper
consider consciously or unconsciously the ownership of the paper, but
if the newspaper runs its business well, one would think that will be
enough for Buffett (as long as he is involved).  In that respect,
newspapers always are owned by some entity and some owners (such as
Rupert Murdoch whose Fox has laid a wild claim to "fair and balanced")
are far more political than Buffett.  Finally, reports indicate that
Buffett is familiar and comfortable with those running the paper now,
so any change would be surprising int that respect.

But what the heck, we can always guess that something will happen
despite all evidence being to the contrary.

> In my opinion, the paper probably will share views with the political 
> leanings of the new owner.  But that is only a guess and my opinion.
> 
> > How so?
> >
> > > There goes any semblance of objectivity.
> > >
> > > > For you OWH lovers/haters out there, Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathway
> > > > is buying the Omaha World Herald (and the other papers it owns)
> > > > for $200 million.

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