Talks in Freedom Newspapers suit collapsed.

Attorneys for both sides in the bitter, interfamily squabble over the fate of the $1-billion publishing and broadcast chain said that efforts to reach an out-of-court settlement have failed. Opening statements in the trial on dissident family member Harry Hoiles’ bid to dissolve the family-owned company are scheduled to begin March 9. Freedom publishes the Orange County Register and 28 other daily newspapers, and operates five television stations.