TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Chronicle Reportedly Selling Cable Unit: The board of Chronicle Publishing Co. has agreed in principle to sell its Western Communications cable television business to Tele-Communications Inc., the San Francisco Chronicle reported. Citing an unidentified source, the newspaper said the board of its parent company made the decision Wednesday. The deal is subject to a definitive agreement and shareholder approval. The Chronicle said industry sources estimated the sale price at $580 million, including the assumption of Western debt and the transfer of TCI stock. Chronicle Publishing, which is privately held, would not comment. Western Communications has more than 333,600 subscribers on cable systems in California, Hawaii and New Mexico.