Time Warner Cable deal puts spotlight on publicity-shy tycoon

New York

WHEN billionaire media executive John Malone bought one million acres of Maine forestland in 2011, assuming the mantle of America's top landowner from his friend and fellow mogul Ted Turner, he made no triumphant announcement. Instead, he shielded his identity through a shell company.

Now, as he tries to pull off the biggest land grab of his career, he is once again shying away from the limelight.