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Will Chandlers make bid?: With a growing list of possible suitors for Tribune Co., why not the Chandlers? That's the talk being tossed around by at least one family member, who told the LAT that if there is money to be made, they might as well be the ones making it. Hard to tell how widespread such interest might be (some family members want to just sell and be done with it). Keep in mind that the Chandlers' stake in Tribune is now 20 percent. Story also gets into the interest in the Tribune by Gannett.
News from Clear Channel: As expected, bids from two groups of private equity firms are expected for radio giant Clear Channel Communications Inc. This process seems to be moving along very quickly and depending on who wins it could impact bidding at Tribune. That's because some of the same firms going after Clear Channel are expressing an interest in Tribune. And they won't be able to buy both. Unlike Tribune, Clear Channel stock has jumped on the news.
No recession in '07: That's the forecast by the Center for Continuing Study of the California Economy. But growth will slow because of the housing slowdown and lower consumer spending. The forecast predicts job growth will come in below 200,000, down from 285,000 in 2005. That will push the unemployment rate, which has been in the high 4 percent range, above 5 percent.
Car crash coverage: LAT reports that state regulators will propose measures that would help motorists fully recover repair costs when their vehicles are damaged in accidents. Under the current system, insurers typically pay "prevailing rates" for hourly labor, and it is up to consumers to pay any costs that exceed that amount. The insurers say the current system helps keep a lid on repair costs.
Calling Time Warner's bluff: For a couple of months now, Time Warner Cable subscribers have been missing the NFL Network because of a dispute between the National Football League and the cable company. Not that many viewers noticed - ratings have been very low. But starting next week, the NFL Network will be carrying games each week through the rest of the season. The NFL is not budging on its demands and Time Warner might be waiting to see how hot and bothered football fans will be.
Fare wars: They go up, they go down. They're matched, they're not matched. The latest move by Delta will cut prices on more than 10,000 domestic routes. Seats must be purchased at least seven days in advance for travel completed by Dec. 12. The other major carriers matched. Generally, fares have been going up over the past year.
Hollywood pollution: No, it's not "Saw III" but actual dirty air. A UCLA study says that all those special effects explosions, idling production vehicles and set-building contribute to pollution. The study finds that Hollywood creates more pollution than individually produced by aerospace manufacturing, apparel, hotels and semiconductor manufacturing. (We all know what big polluters those hotels are.) This story is getting major play this morning because it's show business and all, but I wonder how big a deal this is - certainly when compared with the big polluters. Do we need another excuse by the studios and producers to shoot their movies and TV shows somewhere else?
Shopping center opening: It's the Plaza El Segundo on Rosecrans Avenue and Sepulveda Boulevard and will feature big box giants like Cost Plus and Linens-N-Things. It looks like a traditional shopping center rather than a mall. Del Amo Fashion Center unveiled a 285,000-square-foot Lifestyle Wing in September.
Tuesday business chat: This morning I talk to KPCC's Steve Julian (6:55 and 9:55) about the departure of Bruce Karatz from KB Home, the drop in home prices and the latest on the Tribune sale.
Mark Lacter created the LA Biz Observed blog in 2006. He posted
until the day before his death on Nov. 13, 2013.