Alden has scooped up financially troubled dailies and weeklies around the country and has faced widespread criticism for slashing news coverage. Wyss sought to help Bainum keep Tribune Publishing out of Alden's hands and to break up the company, selling its nine daily newspapers to investors wanting local titles. But two sources, both close to the deal and speaking on condition of anonymity, said Wyss withdrew after deciding he'd have to spend too much to elevate the Chicago Tribune to a national role.