Revenue is extracted through tenant rent (River Park Square) and ad spend. Historically leveraged public tax funds (HUD loans/Bonds) to subsidize private development.
They define the "Overton Window" of local politics. If a story hurts their real estate value, it faces structural friction to reach publication.
Captures attention via KHQ (Morning News) and The Spokesman (Daily Paper) to direct consumer traffic to their retail properties.
Massive physical footprint. Owns Inland Empire Paper (timber/manufacturing) and significant downtown blocks. A "Land Lord" in the literal sense.
The Verdict: The "Citizen Kane" Conflict. Owning the paper of record AND the city's largest mall creates an insurmountable conflict of interest regarding municipal reporting.
A "Company Town" simulation. You read their news, shop in their mall, and watch their TV station. The illusion of a diverse marketplace is manufactured.