Founded in 1903, SCMP was once one of the most profitable newspapers in the world. Rupert Murdoch acquired control of the paper in 1986 before selling his stake to Malaysian tycoon Robert Kuok in 1993. Alibaba bought the paper in 2015.

— Eddie Du (@Edourdooo) November 6, 2021

In an internal email seen by Nikkei Asia, SCMP CEO Gary Liu told staff he had been asked by SCMP Chairman and Alibaba co-founder Joseph Tsai to convey a message that no sale was being planned.https://t.co/aNhXLyLyXX https://t.co/ah0AFn0zKo

— @alecolarizi (@AleColarizi) November 6, 2021

I hope it’s not true, SCMP has some independent articles on China. If it’s state owned by China it will just be propaganda machine. I think the CCP is trying to control the narrative by pumping propaganda from a once reputable publication. That’s why the staffs are panicking

— Tech Junkie (@techjunkiejh) November 6, 2021

"Please don't quit" 😬 https://t.co/sHxuqHdgbf

— Tom Grundy (@tomgrundy) November 6, 2021

"Bauhinia Culture (Hong Kong) Holdings Ltd. is interested in a deal with Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. that would see the city’s most prominent English-language newspaper join its stable of media properties, the people said, asking not to be identified as the information is private.

— William Yang (@WilliamYang120) November 5, 2021

"Any reports suggesting that Alibaba is considering a sale of SCMP are incorrect, Alibaba is fully committed to SCMP’s mission and business goals, and there are no plans for an ownership change, a spokesperson for the newspaper said."

— William Yang (@WilliamYang120) November 5, 2021

Screenshot of email from @garyliu to @SCMPNews staff, denying the information in @business's report: https://t.co/iXUpwmnunP

— William Yang (@WilliamYang120) November 5, 2021