What's Up, Murdoch? A New York Edition

Rupert Murdoch confirmed Tuesday in remarks before the New York Board of Realtors that The Wall Street Journal will launch a New York metro edition in April.

This confirms news reported earlier this week in a New York magazine article about Murdoch that said the new edition was more a way to counter The New York Times than establish a new proft center.

Remarks from Murdoch released by Dow Jones are below. --Joe Strupp

.. so in the next few weeks, one of our other papers will be giving the (NY) Post some competition on their home turf. I'm talking about The Wall Street Journal.

You've probably already read a little about the new section on New York we'll be launching next month. Let me tell you how different that alone makes us. I challenge you to find a story about newspapers today that isn't about reducing coverage, laying off reporters, or cutting back on delivery services. When you open up a paper today, the most depressing news is often about newspapers themselves.

Here in New York, we're doing just the opposite. We're adding a whole new section and taking on reporters and editors. We believe that in its pursuit of journalism prizes and a national reputation, a certain other New York daily has essentially stopped covering the city the way it once did. In so doing, they have mistakenly overlooked the most fascinating city in the world - and left the interests and concerns of people like you far behind them. I promise you this: The Wall Street Journal will not make that mistake.

I can't tell you all the details. I can tell you that the new section will be full color - and it will be feisty. It will cover everything that makes New York great: state politics, local politics, business, culture, and sports. Oh yes - and real estate.