MPR's Bill Kling on suggestion he buy the Strib

Is Bill Kling thinking about buying the Star Tribune?

The story is sure to get a lot of pageviews, as it was linked on Romenesko, the popular media gossip site.

Strangely missing was any comment from the man himself. So we emailed Kling and asked him:

Is there any chance you would ever consider buying the Strib?

This afternoon, he responded.

Sort of.

Thanks Kevin,

I appreciate your question and it is a fair one. Unfortunately I have to reply by saying that "MPR does not comment on rumors or speculation about its business plans."

Bill

I'm sure Kling is flattered, but I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for him to take over the Strib. After all, Kling runs a $70 million operation that collects $40 million from member contributions. That's quite a different thing than the Strib, which last sold for $530 million in December 2006, and which MinnPost's own David Brauer values at a conservative $125 million.

I also doubt that Avista Capital Partners, which shelled out that $530 million, would be willing to sell it to Kling for $1, as the article's fantasy world suggests.

Hell, for a dollar, I might buy the Strib.