Eric Garcetti, the newly elected 42nd mayor of Los Angeles, joined HuffPost Live host Jacob Soboroff in studio for an interview just two weeks after being sworn in as LA's chief executive.
Asked for his opinion on the controversial possibility of the Koch brothers purchasing the Los Angeles Times, Garcetti said he would "rather see local ownership."
"Outside of them specifically," Garcetti continued, "I think HuffPost should buy the LA Times."
On Thursday, Arianna Huffington, the president and CEO of The Huffington Post Media Group, responded to Garcetti's comments with a tweet that seemed to leave the door open to such a possibility.
LA mayor @ericgarcetti said "Huffpost should buy the LA Times." Make us an offer!
— Arianna Huffington (@ariannahuff) July 11, 2013
Charles and David Koch, known for their strong libertarian views, deep pockets and political influence, are believed to be the only group interested in buying all eight Tribune Co. papers, including the Los Angeles Times.
Garcetti isn't the only Angeleno concerned about the potential bid. In April, Times columnist Steve Lopez addressed the paper's entire staff.
"Raise your hand if you would quit if the paper was bought by Rupert Murdoch," Lopez said. A few people raised their hands. He then said, "Raise your hand if you would quit if the paper was bought by the Koch brothers." About half the staff raised their hands.
-- Kathleen Miles contributed to this report.
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