The Teamsters also passed out a flier critical of what their members see as management's favoring as buyers a group of local investors led by former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell. "We have a right to expect our newspaper's publisher to put the interests of journalism above cronyism!" the flier states.
John P. Laigaie, president of the local that represents truck drivers, security guards, and custodians at PMN, said the idea for a rally was raised by members at a union meeting Sunday.
Mark Block, a PMN spokesman, said the company supports First Amendment protections and recognizes the Teamsters' right to protest.
"We take issue with some of the points made in that statement," Block said. "It's unfortunate that the facts are not clearly presented. Our shareholders and our owners will be the ones to evaluate the possible new owner of Philadelphia Media Network. It's not a decision made by the leadership and day-to-day management here."
Word of a possible sale involving The Inquirer, Philadelphia Daily News, and Philly.com was first reported in late January. The Rendell group of investors, which includes New Jersey Democratic leader George E. Norcross and businessman Lewis Katz, confirmed submitting a nonbinding letter of interest.
Philanthropist Raymond G. Perelman and an investor group organized by developer Bart Blatstein are two other potential suitors that have disclosed they have been rebuffed in their efforts to buy the media company.
The hedge funds Alden Global Capital and Angelo, Gordon & Co., the two largest shareholders of PMN, have not commented publicly on their intentions. The ownership group has retained Evercore Partners Inc., a New York investment banking firm, to manage a possible sale.
"Everyone is anxious to have some resolution resulting from the parties that have expressed interest in owning Philadelphia Media Network," Block said. "But it's important to note we don't have control over that.
Contact staff writer Mike Armstrong at 215-854-2980 or marmstrong@phillynews.com or @PhillyInc on Twitter.
