Sadly, this is not the end of the end but the beginning of the end for this malignant stain on our consciousness.
Rupert Murdoch is to step down from his chairpersonship at Fox and News Corp.
A quick summary:
- Leadership Transition: Rupert Murdoch, at the age of 92, is stepping down as the chair of Fox Corporation and News Corp. His son, Lachlan Murdoch, will become the sole chairman of News Corp and will continue in his roles as the executive chairman and CEO of Fox Corporation.
- Acknowledgment of Rupert Murdoch’s Career: Lachlan Murdoch congratulated his father on a remarkable 70-year career in the media industry. Rupert Murdoch will assume a new role as chairman emeritus and continue to provide “valued counsel” to the companies.
- Optimism for the Future: Lachlan Murdoch expressed optimism about the future of the companies and mentioned that Rupert Murdoch will still be actively involved. Rupert Murdoch also stated that he remains in “robust health.”
- Media Holdings: News Corp owns prominent newspapers such as The Sun, The Times, and The Wall Street Journal, as well as HarperCollins, a major book publishing company. Fox Corporation’s assets include the Fox News Channel and a broadcasting empire across the United States.
- Previous Asset Sales: In 2018, Fox sold its film entertainment assets to Disney, and the company’s 39% stake in Sky, which owns Sky News, was sold to Comcast.
- Succession Planning: The question of who would succeed Rupert Murdoch had been a topic of speculation for some time. James Murdoch, another of his sons, was previously considered a contender.
- Legacy of Rupert Murdoch: Rupert Murdoch is known for transforming a small Australian newspaper business into a global media empire. His career has left an indelible stain on the media landscape.
- Challenges and Controversies: In recent years, Fox News has faced criticism for promoting conspiracy theories, spreading falsehoods, and making baseless claims about voter fraud following the 2020 U.S. presidential election. This resulted in a high-profile defamation trial in which Fox Corporation was ordered to pay a substantial amount to Dominion, a voting machine firm.
Rupert Murdoch’s decision to step down and the subsequent leadership transition reflect the changing dynamics and challenges in the media industry, particularly in the context of digital media and the scrutiny faced by some media outlets for their content and practices.
Just a fraction of why decent people despise Murdoch and his values.
- Phone Hacking Scandal (News of the World): One of the most infamous controversies involves the British tabloid “News of the World,” which was owned by News Corporation (now 21st Century Fox). Journalists at the newspaper were accused of hacking into the voicemails of celebrities, politicians, and crime victims. The scandal led to the closure of the newspaper in 2011 and resulted in legal proceedings and settlements.
- Allegations of Political Influence: Rupert Murdoch’s media outlets, particularly in the United Kingdom and Australia, have faced allegations of using their influence to promote political agendas and sway elections. Critics have accused his newspapers of bias in their reporting and editorial endorsements.
- Monopoly and Media Ownership: Murdoch’s media empire has been criticised for its concentration of media ownership, which some argue can limit the diversity of voices and perspectives in the media landscape. Concerns about monopolistic practices have arisen in various countries where Murdoch’s companies operate.
- Fox News Controversies: Fox News, a prominent part of Murdoch’s media holdings, has faced ongoing controversies related to its coverage. Accusations of biased reporting, spreading conspiracy theories, and promoting divisive rhetoric have been leveled against the network.
- News Corp’s Involvement in Climate Change Denial: Some of Murdoch’s media outlets, including The Wall Street Journal and Fox News, have been criticized for their skeptical or dismissive coverage of climate change and their promotion of climate change denial.
- Sky Italia’s Tax Evasion Allegations: Murdoch’s Sky Italia faced allegations of tax evasion in Italy. Italian authorities claimed that the company had avoided paying taxes on a substantial portion of its revenue.
- Political Scandals and Bribery Allegations: Murdoch’s media empire, particularly in the United Kingdom, has been linked to various political scandals and allegations of bribery involving politicians and law enforcement officials.
- Hiring Practices and Workplace Culture: Some of Murdoch’s media companies have been accused of fostering a toxic workplace culture, with allegations of harassment and discrimination.
- Fox News Sexual Harassment Scandals: Fox News faced high-profile sexual harassment allegations, including those against former CEO Roger Ailes and prominent anchor Bill O’Reilly. These scandals led to significant legal settlements and resignations.
- Controversial Statements by Murdoch: Rupert Murdoch himself has made controversial statements and remarks over the years, including comments about immigrants, Islam, and other sensitive topics.
This summary by Owen Jones is lethal
And this:
The final word from Dennis Potter
BREAKING: Rupert Murdoch steps down as News Corp chairman
— Double Down News (@DoubleDownNews) September 21, 2023
I call my cancer Rupert because:
There's no one person more responsible for the pollution of an already polluted press & pollution of the press is an important part of pollution of British political life
– Dennis Potter pic.twitter.com/Jo7Jp1PFk4
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