Franklin Stern is the former owner and publisher of the Daily Planet newspaper, taking over from the TransNational Enterprises consortium which itself succeeded the villainous Lex Luthor. Stern is a long-time friend of the editor, Perry White, although they often disagree about politics. When falling profits force him to sell the newspaper, this allows Luthor to purchase it again, with dire consequences for the Planet and its staff. Shortly thereafter, the Planet is purchased by billionaire Bruce Wayne, who still owns the paper today. At one point Stern dated the sister of Daily Planet reporter Ron Troupe, however the outcome of this relationship is not known.