Bankruptcy judge begins hearing on Tribune plan

[June 08, 2012]  WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) -- A federal bankruptcy judge in Delaware is reviewing Tribune Co.'s latest proposal to emerge from Chapter 11 protection.

An attorney for Tribune told the judge at a hearing Thursday that the latest plan addresses most of the concerns raised by the judge last October, when he rejected a plan submitted by the company. Both versions center on the settlement of legal claims stemming from a 2007 leveraged buyout led by billionaire Sam Zell.

Tribune owns the Chicago Tribune, the Los Angeles Times, other major newspapers and more than 20 television and radio stations, including WGN in Chicago. It sought bankruptcy protection in 2008, less than a year after the buyout left it saddled with almost $13 billion of debt.

The hearing continues Friday.

[Associated Press; By RANDALL CHASE]

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