Tribune examiner may file report under seal, cites confidentiality dispute

Confidentiality dispute in Tribune bankruptcy

DOVER, Del. — The independent examiner appointed by a Delaware bankruptcy judge to probe the Tribune Co.’s 2007 leveraged buyout has been unable to resolve issues of confidentiality and is seeking permission to file his report under seal.

The examiner said in a motion Friday that some parties in the bankruptcy have not cooperated on confidentiality claims and that the report should be filed under seal pending a hearing next month. He did indicate that he’ll file a redacted version of the report for public viewing by Monday’s deadline.

Some Tribune bondholders have sued JPMorgan Chase and other banks that financed the buyout, saying they knew the resulting debt load would leave Tribune insolvent.