MLB owners are "cautiously optimistic" that News Corp.
Chair Rupert Murdoch's "aggressive" business tactics and
global communication resources "can benefit baseball as well
as the Dodgers," according to Ross Newhan of the L.A. TIMES.
However, some owners said they were concerned that Murdoch
will spend "any amount of money ... to produce a winner,
blowing out the salary structure." And all "insisted" that
MLB's ownership committee has to make a "deliberate" study
of his "often-controversial business practices and the
potential impact on the game." Newhan notes that Murdoch's
purchase will require majority approval of the 15 AL owners,
"which is not expected to be a problem," and three-fourths
approval of the 15 NL owners, "which could be," since four
NL owners could kill the deal. A "key player" is Braves
Owner Ted Turner, who commented on the possible sale at a
Time Warner board meeting last week: "I don't like it. I
don't want Rupert to own the Dodgers." Neither Turner nor
Murdoch could be reached for comment (L.A. TIMES, 5/22).
MIXED FEELINGS: One AL CEO, on Murdoch: "He's so
aggressive that some people may be scared of him and see him
as another (George) Steinbrenner." Orioles Owner Peter
Angelos: "Murdoch is making the kind of financial investment
that would seem to obligate him to maintaining a first-class
operation. He's in a position (through his media
connections) to spur marketing and help keep baseball at the
forefront of the entertainment industry." Acting
Commissioner Bud Selig adds that Fox, through its national
TV deal, has been a "marvelous partner" and that Murdoch's
prospective ownership represents "positive synergy." One AL
owner, on possible conflicts with Murdoch: "I don't see the
national (TV) situation as a problem. The national contract
is competitively bid, Fox has been a good partner, and
there's precedent with Disney. It's more of a problem at
the local and regional level where Fox controls so many
outlets and affiliates and can affect the revenue flow of
teams the Dodgers might be in competition with on the field.
Does Fox retaliate (financially and contractually)? Does it
offer special inducements? Those are problems that have to
be addressed" (L.A. TIMES, 5/22).
