The Kochs are inching closer to becoming media moguls

The Kochs have long tried to shape political discourse through their support of nonprofit organisations, universities and think tanks

Four years ago, Charles G and David H Koch seemed poised to control some of the country’s biggest newspapers. Known for using their vast wealth and network of donors to advance their brand of libertarian-infused conservatism, the titans of Koch Industries explored buying the Tribune Company’s eight newspapers, including The Los Angeles Times and The Chicago Tribune.

They ended up not making a bid, and in an interview at the time with his hometown paper, The Wichita Eagle, Charles Koch suggested that Koch Industries was rethinking whether it was wise to enter such a troubled industry.

“There are tremendous changes going on