MediaNews Group now says that it is providing Clint Reilly with space for his column at no cost, even though the company originally said Reilly would be paying for the space. The column was part of the settlement in Reilly’s antitrust lawsuit agianst MediaNews and Hearst Corp. over the consolidation of Bay Area newspapers. On April 28, E&P quoted MediaNews Group President Jody Lodovic as saying Reilly’s column will be paid space. Lodovic’s comment was in response to Reilly, who said the space would be free. Today’s column, which appeared on page 2B of today’s Mercury News, said “MediaNews is providing the space at no cost according to the settlement terms of a public interest suit filed by Reilly to promote newspaper competition.” At the top it says, “Provided by MNG.” MNG is MediaNews Group.