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Zell buys Tribune
Zell buys Tribune
Sam Zell speaks during a news conference in Chicago on Dec. 20, 2007.
This $13 billion deal, which gave Sam Zell control of the nation's second-biggest newspaper firm last year, has resulted in cuts this year that are disastrous for anyone who cares about having an informed public - that's why I've included it. It may hurt Zell too - a big, high-profile, messy failure would undermine his reputation, carefully cultivated over decades.

NEXT: Raiding the Times
Last updated November 24 2008: 9:44 AM ET
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