Shekel Heckle: James Ottaway Blows Up

Here was former Dow Jones board member James Ottaway Jr.’s reaction to the news that the Dow Jones board was ready to approve the sale to Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp.:

It’s a bad thing for Dow Jones and American journalism that the Bancroft Family could not resist Rupert Murdoch’s generous offer.

It’s a sad Read More

Bancrofts: We’re Not Done Yet!

A spokesman for the Bancroft family just sent us this statement:

“The process of canvassing the Bancroft family members and trustees as to whether they wish to commit their respective shares to the proposed News Corporation transaction is still under way. Any suggestion that the process has been completed and/or that a particular level Read More

Report: Rupert’s Dow Jones Takeover a “Done Deal”

David Faber, the CNBC reporter who first broke the news that Rupert Murdoch had offered $5 billion to buy Dow Jones, is now reporting that Dow Jones will agree to the sale.

According to Faber, a "definitive agreement" is expected from the Dow Jones board tonight. You can click through here to see CNBC Read More

Bancrofts Blow 5 p.m. Deadline

You might think that a family journalism dynasty would be more conscious of deadlines—but alas, the Bancrofts have already blown News Corp.’s 5 p.m. cutoff.

Family advisors and Dow Jones board members tried convincing holdout family members to accept Rupert Murdoch’s $5 billion bid, according to the Wall Street Journal.

But, apparently, Read More

Bancrofts End Day One of Murdoch Talks

Shortly before 8 p.m., Bancroft family lead trustee Michael Elefante emerged through a revolving door, from the back entrance of the Hilton Hotel, in Boston’s financial district. There, he very briefly addressed reporters, waiting outside in the light rain.

“The family had a very productive meeting, and they now have all the information Read More