But it argued that its own continued publication would provide easier access to "quality" information for politicians and ordinary readers, as well as countering the spread of unfounded rumours.

BBC: Mixed messages for Iraq's media

We're in a more inter-connected world, more travel, news and rumours spread at the speed of light.

BBC: How are humans going to become extinct?

Its shares dropped sharply as rumours of the NBC Universal deal spread, and have not yet recovered.

ECONOMIST: Media

The rumours of its impending demise, it said after hiring sleuths to investigate, were being spread by two of its big competitors in Hong Kong.

ECONOMIST: Peregrine: hawk turned prey