By Kris Boyle
kris@newsroom.byu.edu
Speculation is raging over rumors that the LDS Church-owned Deseret News is looking to purchase The Salt Lake Tribune.
According to a story by The Associated Press, rumors have been circulating for weeks concerning The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' interest in The Tribune, which is owned by AT&T Broadbent.
According to the story, 50 reporters and editors of The Tribune signed a petition Monday, encouraging the paper to 'publish an article informing the public of the attempt by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to purchase majority control of the Newspaper Agency Corp.'
The two newspapers have been under a joint operating agreement since 1952.
The agreement allows the papers to share advertising, printing, circulation, expenses and profits as the co-owned NAC.
Currently, The Tribune has a 58 percent share in the corporation.
Glen Snarr, chair and president of Deseret News, said although there are rumors the Deseret News is trying to buy The Tribune, the newspaper is simply trying to negotiate with AT&T to be switched to morning delivery.
According to the current agreement, The Tribune publishes in the morning, while The Deseret News publishes in the afternoon.
'We are not seeking in any way to interfere with the editing and content of The Salt Lake Tribune,' Snarr said.
Kim Farrah, church spokesperson for the LDS Church, said the church has no comment on the speculation.
See related story:
Salt Lake City newspaper rumors untrue 10/5/2000