Freedom Communications seeks judge’s OK to hire broker for sale of Phoenix-area newspapers

Freedom seeks broker for sale of some newspapers

MESA, Ariz. — Freedom Communications is asking a bankruptcy judge for permission to hire a broker to pursue the sale of Phoenix, Ariz.-area publications, including the East Valley Tribune.

The request came in a filing Thursday in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Wilmington, Del. Besides the Tribune, the properties in the Phoenix area include the Sun City Daily News-Sun, Ahwatukee Foothills News and the Clipper coupon booklet.

Freedom’s flagship paper is The Orange County Register in California, but it owns eight television stations and dozens of other newspapers. Freedom Communications Holdings Inc. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection Sept. 1.

A hearing on the request has been scheduled for Oct. 5.