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Gannett, ABC, Entercom, Cox, Clear Channel and other broadcast groups are interested in some or all of Fisher Communications, sources say, as the Seattle-based broadcaster assesses its strategic alternatives. The crown jewels in the Fisher treasure chest are TV, radio and real estate holdings in the Northwest, where, most notably, Fisher owns KOMO-TV Seattle, and KATU(TV) Portland, Ore.
Analysts evaluate the company's worth at roughly $800 million to $1 billion. It would probably be more valuable but for the triple whammy of a terrible economy still looming over the Northwest, a lagging ABC TV network (KOMO-TV and KATU are affiliates) and some under-managed properties.
"They've got a great collection of fixer-- uppers," was the assessment of one media analyst at a major Wall Street firm.
Rumors were swirling last week that Fisher was close to a decision, with a deadline for bids set for this week.
But company President and CEO William Krippaehne IL denied that.
"In one aspect of our assessment process,...