The word from Akron's news authority

NewsChannel 5's Jonathan Costen.says that WAKR is reporting that "all that's left is to put the ink on the contract."

WAKR news director Ed Esposito said that representatives from both the Plain Dealer and its owner, Advance, and the Beacon Journal and its new owner, McClatchy, won't go on the record and admit anything.

"But they admit, yes, we've heard all the rumors what we're reporting," said Esposito. "There are rumors the Plain Dealer staff management was told yesterday that the Beacon Journal bid was accepted by McClatchy. McClatchy says they'll let the word out when it's time to let the word out, and that could be as early as today."

Beacon Journal marketing director Rita Kelly Madick dismissed the rumors, saying that they are possibly based on a staff meeting at the Plain Dealer, which ABJ staffers have no information about.

"Everybody's heard the reports they were looking and it was likely, but that doesn't mean you're allowed to window shop without buying," said Madick.

But Esposito is sticking by his reports, saying he's not surprised that ABJ reporters aren't aware of the pending deal. He said this isn't a question of journalism, it's a question of high finance and business.

Although Esposito believes an announcement may be forthcoming, a McClatchy spokesman said it could be a couple of weeks before any announcement is made.

Maybe the announcement will come on 6/6/06