From the Wires: Tribune files for bankruptcy protection

While the following story doesn't affect WKYC or parent company, Gannett, it is an indicator of how bad things are getting for the media industry in this recession.

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NEW YORK (AP) -- Media conglomerate Tribune Co. has filed for bankruptcy protection.

The owner of the Chicago Tribune, the Los Angeles Times, the Chicago Cubs and other properties has $13 billion in debt.

Severe reductions in advertising this year because of the recession has put pressure on the company. Most of its debt comes from the complex transaction in which the company was taken private by real estate mogul Sam Zell last year.

Although the next major principal payment isn't due until June, analysts say Tribune has been in danger of missing lender-imposed financial targets.

Tribune made the filing Monday in bankruptcy court in Delaware.

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