Disney/Fox Leaves Murdoch With Assets, Challenges, TDG Says

Rupert Murdoch's record of success indicates he's likely right that now is the best time to sell most of Fox's assets to Disney, The Diffusion Group Senior Adviser Rob Silvershein blogged Thursday. Fox will have a challenge in repackaging itself to remain competitive, but "I would not bet against it beating the odds," he said. Fox "was ill-equipped to handle the brave new world of broadband video" and is taking "the best deal it could," and it now can focus on news, he said. He noted Fox is interested in buying independent stations. He said the company "has placed a bet on old thinking and old technology," and its long-term success doesn't come with a focus on linear TV stations, live news and sports, and cheaper programming. Fox may buy some stations to be divested from Sinclair/Tribune (see 1801120049).