Group seeks to block Tribune sale

A group opposed to media consolidation sought to block the sale of Tribune Co., owner of the Los Angeles Times, saying the $8.2-billion deal shouldn’t be allowed to go through unless the conglomerate broke up its joint newspaper and broadcast ownership in five cities.

Media Access Project, a public interest law firm, urged the Federal Communications Commission to deny Tribune’s request for waivers from rules banning same-market ownership of TV stations and newspapers.

Led by real estate billionaire Sam Zell, the transaction to take Tribune private hinges on the company’s being able to transfer broadcast licenses to the new owner, an employee stock option plan.