New York Sun owner Dovid Efne is poised to enter exclusive talks to buy the Daily and the Sunday Telegraph, raising concerns across the Telegraph's newsroom about threats to editorial integrity and influence.
British-born Mr Efne regularly posts hard-line views on the situation in the Middle East, and there is growing concern among staff that he is likely to become the new manager after making a £550m bid. There is a growing sense of caution.
A move toward exclusivity with Efne, a former editor of the Jewish publication Algemeiner Journal, is expected to begin this week after acquiring the digital assets of the former print newspaper New York Sun three years ago.
However, two sources say that while Efne made the highest bid, David Montgomery's National World, which presented with Telegraph executives, had not been formally ruled out.
A source said National World had been “informed” that Efne intended to sign the deal.
“There is great concern among executives about how Mr. Efune will affect our editorial stance on the Middle East,” said one news source. “We are already pro-Israel, but people are worried that he will turn the Telegraph into a personal propaganda paper.”
In a series of posts last week about I expect it to be deaf.
Here's what to expect when Israel directs its full wrath at the Iranian regime.
1. First, decapitate the leader through a series of targeted attacks and assassinations at point-blank range using ground assets. I expected the Ayatollah himself to be among them…
— Dovid Efune (@Efune) October 2, 2024
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Here's what to expect when Israel directs its full wrath at the Iranian regime.
1. First, decapitate the leader through a series of targeted attacks and assassinations at point-blank range using ground assets. I expected the Ayatollah himself to be among them…
— Dovid Efune (@Efune) October 2, 2024
Last year, Efne, who has described himself in the past as a “conspicuous Jew,” spoke at a gala in New York held by Allgemeiner, who now holds the title of chairman emeritus, and told attendees: Regarding the conflict between Israel and Hamas, “Fight all the reports and headlines.”
Staff at the Telegraph have slammed the potential editorial consequences of its takeover by a consortium led by GB News co-owner Sir Paul Marshall. The consortium did not submit a second round bid for the title, but is now wary of political leanings. A new front runner.
“It is not the mainstream view in Britain that West Bank Arabs could be 'resettled' and a second Jewish state established, as he has suggested,” the Telegraph said. said another source at the paper. “What does his strong and vocal support for the Israeli right-wing mean for the safety of Telegraph journalists in the Middle East? It could have serious political and economic implications for the Telegraph.”
Stephen Barnett, professor of communications at the University of Westminster, said staff would expect Mr Efune to use his editorial skills if he signs a deal with the Telegraph.
“Owners of media assets these days have no constraints in terms of independence and impartiality,” Barnett said. “If Mr. Efune buys the Telegraph, I think you can expect his vision of the world, especially his perspective on the Middle East, to be present on every page. You'll see, I would expect a more pro-Israel perspective.”
He added that British newspaper executives have a long history of injecting their agendas into editorial output.
“It's no different than a newspaper owned by Rupert Murdoch. The newspaper reflects Murdoch's worldview and his vision,” Barnett said. “Or the Daily Mail [owner] This is Lord Rothermere's opinion. ”
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Mr Barnett does not think there is any basis for regulators to block Mr Efune from taking over Telegraph if he were to succeed.
“This regulation is about ownership and plurality, not politics,” he said. “I see no reason why this transaction should be referred to the CMA.” [Competition and Markets Authority] or [media regulator] Ofcom. ”
RedBird IMI (a consortium backed by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the United Arab Emirates and owner of Manchester City Football Club, and US investment firm RedBird Capital Partners) was forced to sell the Spectator and Telegraph titles after the war. The British government has promulgated legislation to prevent foreign states or associated individuals from owning newspaper assets in the UK.
A “back-up plan” for Redbird Capital Partners to continue to hold a small stake in Telegraph was discussed in the summer but is understood to have been rejected.
Redbird IMI took ownership of the Telegraph and Spectator magazines last year after the Berkeley family lost control of the titles over unpaid debts to Lloyds Bank.
Mr Marshall last month agreed a £100m deal to buy the Spectator, shortly after former cabinet minister Michael Gove was appointed as its new editor-in-chief.
Mr. Efne and the New York Sun have been contacted for comment.
