Dovid Efune Enters Exclusive Talks to Acquire British Newspapers

Dovid Efune, owner of The New York Sun, has entered exclusive negotiations to acquire the British publications, the Daily and Sunday Telegraph, for an estimated £550 million. This move initiates a six-week period of due diligence to assess Efune’s suitability for the transaction, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Efune, who previously served as editor of the New York-based Jewish publication, the Algemeiner Journal, emerged as the highest bidder last month. Due diligence will involve scrutiny from UK media regulator Ofcom, which will evaluate the acquisition under public interest laws. This includes ensuring a plurality of ownership and the accurate presentation of news. Final authorization will be determined by the culture secretary, Lisa Nandy.

The potential acquisition has provoked unease within the Telegraph’s newsroom, stemming from Efune’s controversial comments regarding the Middle East, particularly the Israel-Gaza conflict. His statements about Israel’s military actions in Gaza have raised concerns about maintaining the newspaper’s editorial impartiality.

In 2011, Efune decisively opposed a UN vote for Palestinian statehood, asserting that Jews should oppose broad efforts toward Palestinian independence. His media career was primarily built in the United States, where he leads the American Jewish community paper, The New York Sun.

Telegraph staff had previously expressed apprehension about editorial changes that might result from a takeover by Sir Paul Marshall, co-owner of GB News. Concerns have now shifted to Efune’s firm pro-Israel stance, with internal sources fearing potential bias in Middle East coverage.

The transaction to acquire the Telegraph and its affiliated titles arises after the UK government’s initiative to prevent foreign states or individuals associated with such states from owning British newspaper assets. This prompted RedBird IMI, supported by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan and RedBird Capital Partners, to divest ownership of the Spectator and Telegraph titles.

Efune’s recent social media activities include contentious claims regarding the conflict in Gaza and assertive support for Israel’s military actions, which have sparked discussions about the potential impact on the Telegraph’s editorial policies.