PHILADELPHIA (AP) – A hearing that could decide who controls Philadelphia’s two largest newspapers amid a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing is delayed until late March.

The parent company of The Philadelphia Inquirer and Philadelphia Daily News filed for bankruptcy protection last month, citing about $395 million in debt.

Housing mogul Bruce Toll, already a key investor in Philadelphia Newspapers LLC, is among those pledging $25 million in interim financing. But some creditors oppose terms that include the retention of Chief Executive Brian Tierney. They have proposed their own $20 million financing package.

A judge Thursday postponed a hearing on the matter until March 24 and March 25 while the two sides negotiate. The parties are due in court next week on other issues.

AP-ES-03-12-09 1634EDT


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