Mediagazer: [Thread] In a meeting with staffers, The Baltimore Sun's new owner claims he paid nine figures, had read the paper just four times, and the Sun was profitable (David Folkenflik/@davidfolkenflik)

9:00 AM ET, January 17, 2024

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David Folkenflik / @davidfolkenflik:

[Thread] In a meeting with staffers, The Baltimore Sun's new owner claims he paid nine figures, had read the paper just four times, and the Sun was profitable — The Baltimore Sun's new owner, David D. Smith, met with staffers today for more than two hours. Many left on edge. He claimed he had read the paper just four times. He grew up here; his family's local TV empire - Sinclair - is based in Baltimore Co. Other highlights:

Discussion: The Baltimore Banner, The Wrap, @kyoshino, @pdavis_llc, @skamidi, @karaswisher@threads.net, @tysonbrody, @jamesebriggs, @davidfolkenflik, @clarajeffery, @bgrueskin, @bencjacobs, @davidfolkenflik, @travismayfield@threads.net, @jayrosen_nyu and Axios

Joshua Benton / Nieman Lab:

David Smith's purchase of The Baltimore Sun raises concerns about the paper's future, considering Sinclair's political influence and controversial actions — Its new owner, Sinclair executive chairman David D. Smith, has pushed local TV news hard to the right.

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Discussion: The Messenger, Financial Times, @alexweprin, @laurenshirsch, The Information, Reuters, Wall Street Journal, The Walt Disney Company and The Hollywood Reporter

Todd Spangler / Variety:

Filing: Disney CEO Bob Iger's compensation was $31.6M in 2023, down from $45.9M in 2021, his last prior full year of employment at the company — Disney CEO Bob Iger saw his compensation hit $31.6 million in 2023 — down from $45.9 million in 2021, his last prior full year of employment at the company.

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The Wrap:

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