News Corp., Others Invest in U.S. Digital

Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp. and five other companies are investing $25.8 million to help U.S. Digital Television expand its low-cost broadcast TV service.

U.S. Digital, based in Salt Lake City, sells 30 cable, local and high-definition channels. Its over-the-air signal is picked up by a traditional TV antenna on sets equipped with a proprietary set-top box.

Hearst-Argyle Television Inc., McGraw-Hill Cos. and the other broadcasters are investing in U.S. Digital as phone companies begin competing against cable broadcasters for television customers.