John Henry, the principal owner of Fenway Sports Group and subsequently the World Series champion Boston Red Sox, will be the featured speaker for the Boston Chamber of Commerce’s Executive Forum series Wednesday. In the fall of 2013, Henry purchased the Boston Globe, it’s affiliated websites, and the Worcester Telegram & Gazette for a cool $70 million.
Though Boston Chamber media contact Michelle Frappolli indicated to BostInno that it’s unclear what exactly Henry will speak to the audience about, in some form “his remarks will be focused on his new ownership of the Boston Globe.”
Though Henry officially bought the publications from the New York Times Co. back in October, the sale was not a swift close for the Sox owner. Worcester Superior Court Judge Shannon Frison initially froze the sale due to a suit filed against the Telegram by independent carriers of the newspaper, claiming that they should be treated as employees and not as independent contractors.
Just days later, though, Judge Frison lifted the ban when the New York Times Co., the Boston Globe, the Telegram, and John Henry turned over any and all documents related to the deal.
Henry had purchased the Boston Globe in August prior to having to sift through substantial lengths of legal red tape.
It seemed as if Henry’s acquisition may have sparked a newspaper buying frenzy, for after his purchase was announced, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos closed on the much more valuable Washington Post for a hefty $250 million.
In 1993, the New York Times Co. purchased the Boston Globe for $1.1 billion, conveying the drastic turn of the print media industry when compared to its current price tag.
Similarly, in 2012, Facebook co-founder Chris Hughes became the majority owner of The New Republic, a political commentary magazine.
According to the Boston Chamber’s website, its executive series is designed to feature “distinguished leaders from business and academia who address the issues affecting these industries that have a major impact on job creation.”
Former orators have included the likes of Wegmans CEO Danny Wegman, State Street CEO Jay Hooley, and University of Massachusetts President Robert Caret.
Wednesday’s event with Henry is now at capacity but there is a wait list available for those unable to attend.
Taking place at the Mandarin Oriental, Boston on Bolylston Street, the event costs $95 for non-Boston Chamber members and $50 for members.
