Turner Reportedly Discussed Takeover of CBS With Helms

Broadcasting magnate Ted Turner has told lawyers for CBS that he has had extensive discussions with Sen. Jesse Helms (R-N.C.) and the conservative Fairness in Media group about attempting to seek control of the network, sources familiar with a deposition by Turner said Tuesday.

Turner, who answered questions asked by CBS lawyers for several hours Monday, said in the deposition that his discussions with Helms and Fairness in Media included proposals about how the parties might cooperate in a formal bid for CBS and how they would change the network’s programming if the bid succeeded, sources said.

Fairness in Media, which is supported by Helms, has said it will try to gain financial control of CBS to end what it calls the network’s liberal bias. CBS contends that it is fair and objective in its reporting.

Sources said that Turner refused to say if he plans an attempt to take over CBS on his own. Turner’s lawyers advised him to restrict his comments to his relationship with Helms and Fairness in Media, sources said.

Although spokesmen for CBS and Turner pefused to comment on the deposition, which is not a public document, sources on both sides confirmed privately that Turner had disclosed details of his relationship with Helms and Fairness in Media.

CBS lawyers, eager to learn if he plans to make a takeover offer for the network, asked Turner questions related to a CBS suit against Fairness in Media. The suit charges the group with violations of federal securities laws, improper political activities by a tax-exempt organization and illegal corporate political contributions, all in connection with its campaign to take over CBS.