If you thought money was done corrupting the news, think again. Conservative billionaire archfiends David and Charles Koch are said to be pursuing the Tribune Co. newspaper group, which includes the Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune and Baltimore Sun.

The Hollywood Reporter cites sources that claim the brothers could purchase the papers with Doug Manchester, a San Diego real estate magnate who bought the San Diego Union-Tribune in November 2011.

As is typical of the rich, the Kochs are being tight-lipped about their interest. Missy Cohlmia, a spokeswoman for Koch Companies Public Sector LLC, made the following self-serving statement to the Reporter:

“As an entrepreneurial company with 60,000 employees around the world, we are constantly exploring profitable opportunities in many industries and sectors. So, it is natural that our name would come up in connection with this rumor. We respect the independence of the journalistic institutions referenced in today’s news stories, but it is our long-standing policy not to comment on deals or rumors of deals we may or may not be exploring.”

— Posted by Alexander Reed Kelly.