Republican Owned Hedge Fund to Buy Faltering Sentinel

  A film favorite of journalists, Deadline USA deals with a faltering newspaper's sale to a competitor, putting the publication out of business. Now Central Florida's "local" newspaper, the Orlando Sentinel, may be subject to a similar fate. However, unlike the motion picture, many residents welcome the change in ownership and hope the sale will alter the systemic political bias permeating the pages of the paper.

  Nevertheless, many on the left now fret that Republican-led Alden Global Capital's purchase of the Orlando Sentinel will possibly migrate the publication in a more right-wing direction. The Orlando Sentinel recently vacated the paper's long-time offices in Downtown Orlando as a result of its beleaguered financial condition. Although the paper is now known for its prominent left-wing posturing, the publication did not always lean in a socialist direction.

  The Sentinel's most well-known Editor, Martin Andersen, endorsed Lyndon Johnson in 1964 and promoted bipartisan positions, though for the most part, the media mogul affiliated his content in line with conservative thinking, a stark contrast to publication's current disposition. "The Sentinel wished to be logical, Christian, law-abiding, patriotic and a force for Central Florida, Florida, and, once or twice in its lifetime, the nation," Andersen said.

  Over the years, however, the paper's patriotic, Christian nature dwindled, along with its once strong circulation. From 1952 to 2004, with the exception of Lyndon Johnson, the Sentinel consistently endorsed Republicans for President, though the content of the paper began shifting leftward following Andersen's retirement.

  While change in ownership may result in a shift in coverage, some supporters of the archaic publication also share concern that Alden Capital's purchase will put the Sentinel out of business, a trend all too common among businesses purchased by the hedge fund.

  Despite the almost certain writing on the wall, last minute reports indicate that the publication may not be sold to Alden after all, with local Orlando baggage tycoon Craig Mateer (also a Republican) in the line up of alternate buyers. South Florida businessman Mason Slaine has offered up $100 million as well  to take part in the larger $650 million deal for the entire chain of Tribune Publishing newspapers, the present owner of the Orlando Sentinel.