It’s been a while since Mr Murdoch outraged the establishment with his acquisitions. However an unsolicited US$5 billion bid for Dow Jones has drawn negative press from the usual suspects, “won’t sell” noises from controlling shareholders the Bancroft family – and speculation that this bid from News Corp will put Dow Jones in play, leading to an eventual sale.
The pot of gold at the end of this rainbow, according to US News & World Report:
- The Wall Street Journal, of course, and “the WSJ.com website, Dow Jones Newswires, and Barron’s. The company currently generates 30 percent of its revenues online and is expected to increase that to 50 percent by 2009. “
Conventional wisdom (circa 2007) suggests that Dow Jones’ online revenues are the bling most in demand for a multimedia proprietor. Perhaps – though we’re of the view that there’s still some precious sap left in those dead trees yet. Despite his televisual and internet leanings, the hon. senior Murdoch has maintained his interest in key newspapers around the globe. The Wall Street Journal would be a worthy companion to The Thunderer. Great (fleet) street cred, yet another authoritative platform to support or scorn the government du jour – and sweet victory over the chattering classes.
Marketing Rag 