AOL co-founder Case offers merger apology

NEW YORK » AOL co-founder Steve Case has offered a qualified apology for his role in architecting the online company's disastrous combination with Time Warner Inc.

"Yes, I'm sorry I did it," Case said on PBS's "The Charlie Rose Show." But Case also reiterated his belief that it was a good idea at the time.

"It has been a disappointment, but you know, it goes back to the question, 'Was it a good idea?'" Case said, according to a transcript provided by the show. "I think it was a good idea. I'm disappointed and frustrated that it hasn't developed in the way that that we all hoped at the time it could."

Case resigned from Time Warner's board in October and quit as chairman two years ago.