Media Seek Open Hearings in Katzenberg’s Disney Suit

Media lawyers will argue today for open proceedings in the second round of Jeffrey Katzenberg’s breach-of-contract lawsuit against Walt Disney Co., where he was studio chief.

Disney and Katzenberg in 1997 reached a partial settlement of the case, agreeing to determine the amount of money Katzenberg will get through closed hearings before a “rent-a-judge.”

Lawyers for Daily Variety and the Daily Journal, joined by The Times, Time Inc. and Dow Jones, are arguing that the hearings, due to begin this month, should be open. Disney has filed papers opposing the request, saying that such hearings would reveal trade secrets to competitors and a “blueprint” of its future plans.