Koch brothers’ backing for Time Inc. sale riles publishing industry

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Media powerhouse Meredith Corp. announced Sunday it plans to buy Time Inc. for $1.8 billion. The sale created a stir in the publishing and news industries not just because of its magnitude but because of the company backing the deal. The private equity arm of Koch Industries, whose owners are known for advocating for conservative causes and financially supporting Republican political candidates, provided $650 million for the Time purchase. Executives with Meredith insist the Koch brothers will not get a seat on the board or have any form of editorial influence over the company’s publications. Meredith publishes lifestyle magazines like Better Homes & Gardens, Family Circle, and Allrecipes. The Time Inc. purchase will add Time, Sports Illustrated, People, Fortune, and Entertainment Weekly to Meredith’s catalog.

Leigh Jones

Leigh is features editor for WORLD. She is a World Journalism Institute graduate who spent six years as a newspaper reporter in Texas before joining WORLD News Group. Leigh also co-wrote Infinite Monster: Courage, Hope, and Resurrection in the Face of One of America's Largest Hurricanes. She resides with her husband and daughter in Houston, Texas.