Murdoch's Journal Readies Battle Against the Times

A newly Rupert Murdoch-ified Wall Street Journal throws down the gauntlet at the New York Times tomorrow, reports Newsweek, in the biggest battle of newspaper titans since Hearst v. Pulitzer. Murdoch is looking for (more) power and respect from the journalistic elite at a time when the Gray Lady is weakened by a huge loss of advertising and revenue.

Murdoch has been a constant presence at the Journal offices since acquiring the paper, girding for the coming battle. And while trying to maintain the brand, the revamped Journal has and will embrace a world view beyond Wall Street, politics, entertainment, and even sports. Billionaire mayor Michael Bloomberg, meanwhile, is reported to have his eye on the beleaguered Times—which could set up an epic battle. (More Wall Street Journal stories.)