Celtics Try to Interest Reds in Joining Purchase of TV Station

The surprise announcement by the Boston Celtics that the National Basketball Assn. club wants to buy WFXT-TV in Boston could also involve the Red Sox of the American League, according to a published report.

Celtics officials had begun talking to the Red Sox about the possibility of the baseball team becoming a part owner of the television station before agreeing in principle to purchase the station from Fox Broadcasting, according to today’s Boston Globe.

In a prepared statement Tuesday, Celtics co-owner Don Gaston and Fox President Robert Kreek announced the agreement but did not provide details.

Unconfirmed estimates of the station’s price range from $20 million to $50 million.

Thursday, Gaston gave more details of the team’s involvement with WFXT. He said once the deal is finalized, Rupert Murdoch, the owner of Fox Broadcasting, would still have a financial interest in the television station.

“Our basic agreement does envision Murdoch retaining a financial interest,” Gaston said.

Alan Cohen, vice president and treasurer of the Celtics, also said the condition that Murdoch stay involved in the station was part of the purchase price.