This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2015, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

[Video: "Is That You, Santa Claus?"]

Last week, in a blog post noting the fact that The Washington Post was moving into newer, smaller and more electronically centered digs, I make a crack about how we at The Salt Lake Tribune were looking for some moneybags new owners, like the Post recently got.

Better be careful what I ask for.

Koch Brothers Deny Buying Las Vegas Newspaper — Dan Primack | Forbes

"We still don't know who paid $140 million to buy The Las Vegas Review-Journal, Nevada's largest daily newspaper with a circulation in excess of 175,000. But one rumored purchaser tells Fortune — via a spokesman — that it wasn't them: Charles and David Koch, co-founders of Koch Industries and major donors to conservative candidates. ..."

"The publisher of the Las Vegas Review-Journal removed quotes from a Thursday night article about the newspaper's sale that questioned its new owner's decision to remain anonymous, according to a newsroom source. ..."

Las Vegas Review-Journal sold to News + Media Capital Group LLC — Howard Stutz and Jennifer Robison | Las Vegas Review-Journal

"For the second time this year, the Las Vegas Review-Journal and its sister publications in Nevada are under new ownership.

"The publications were acquired by News + Media Capital Group LLC, a newly formed Delaware-domiciled company backed by "undisclosed financial backers with expertise in the media industry," Michael Schroeder, who was identified as the manager of News + Media, said Thursday at an employee meeting.

"New Media Investment Group acquired the Review-Journal's parent company, Stephens Media LLC, for $102.5 million in cash in March. GateHouse Media LLC, a subsidiary of New Media, will continue to operate the Review-Journal and associated publications under a management agreement. ..."

Unidentified buyer paid $140 million for Las Vegas Review-Journal — James DeHaven | Las Vegas Review-Journal

"Thursday's sale of the Las Vegas Review-Journal left staffers, and readers, with a lot of questions.

"Perhaps foremost among them: Who now owns Nevada's largest newspaper.

"Answers remain unclear. ..."

All this is highly unusual — Jay Rosen via Facebook

"... Who would buy a major newspaper and not want anyone to know? What would be the possible reasons? ...

"... One of the first thoughts I had was: Nevada is an early primary state. The Review-Journal is the largest newspaper in the state. Was it sold to a player in that event, or people who want to be players? That slightly conspiratorial thought may be way off base. Of course there is no way to know as long as the ownership remains hidden. That's the point. ..."

"The questions are mounting — and some of the newspaper's own reporters are revolting — in the wake of a mysterious sale announcement on Thursday.

"The new owners of the Las Vegas Review-Journal are 'refusing to reveal themselves,' Jon Ralston, the esteemed Nevada political reporter, told me on CNN's 'Reliable Sources.'

"Ralston said the unusual situation leaves readers unable to determine 'what kinds of conflicts of interest might exist'..."