Ever since Tribune Co. went on the block, there have been rumbles about the head of News Corp. wanting a stake in Newsday, a Tribune property. He wouldn't be going for outright control of the paper because News Corp. owns the NY Post and there would be all kinds of regulatory hassles. Murdoch's motivation seems to be improving efficiencies by combining the print and back office operations at both papers. The Post has been gaining circulation but it's losing money. It all sounds pretty preliminary - the News Corp. folks doubt whether the Chandler bid stands much of a chance, given the animosity between the family and Tribune management. FT.com LAT