Liberty Media Chairman’s Seat on AT&T; Board Still in Question

NEW YORK — Speculation resurfaced Friday that John Malone, one of AT&T; Corp.’s largest shareholders and most vocal critics, may leave the telephone and cable television company’s board once it formally spins off his Liberty Media Group television programming arm.

AT&T; has said Malone, who is chairman of Liberty Media, may be unable to stay on the board because of tax, regulatory and potential business conflicts of interest.

AT&T; confirmed Friday that it reiterated such comments to the Wall Street Journal. A final decision has not been made, and the timing of Malone’s possible departure remains unclear.

Questions about Malone’s future board standing resurfaced Friday after the Journal reported that AT&T; Chairman C. Michael Armstrong wants Malone to leave as soon as Liberty gets a favorable ruling on the spinoff from the Internal Revenue Service.

Malone told the newspaper he was prepared to leave the board immediately if required by the IRS. He added he probably would leave anyway to ease the regulatory burden on Liberty Media.