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Rupert Murdoch owns the controlling interest in News Corp., which in turn owns media properties on five continents -- properties that include some 170 newspapers, dozens of television stations, half a dozen television networks, a publishing company, and a movie studio.

In this wide-ranging interview, Murdoch discusses his rise from proprietor of the Adelaide News at age 22 (on the death of his father) to international media mogul. Weighing in on topics as varied as capitalism, feature films, China, and Google, the conversation invariably returns to newspapers and journalism. He answers charges about the political slant to his papers.

"[The Wall Street Journal] certainly hasn't become conservative -- maybe a little more balanced. And the rest of the press is often monolithically unfair." He asserts that, "in today's digital age, content is not just king, it's the emperor" and rejects the idea that the government must get involved to ensure the survival of a free press (an idea suggested by Dan Rather).

"A bailout for newspapers?" Rupert Murdoch calls it "rubbish, and very dangerous rubbish."
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Fox News is Wrong
2 aug  |  Murdoch owned Fox News has a long history of giving global warming sceptics uncritical air-time. This video exposes some of the lies being peddled under the name of "news". . . read more
Media Matters: Glenn Beck, Holy Warrior
15 aug  |  Media Matters: Glenn Beck, Holy Warrior . . read more
The death and life of journalism: John Nichols
26 aug  |  The death and life of journalism: John Nichols . . read more
Should Drugs Be Legal? - From Alan Jones
28 nov  |  Should illegality of drugs be removed to bring them under greater control by society? If something is no longer illegal, it can be "regulated" by government. A legal regulated alcohol industry means the alcohol content of booze is regulated and stated on the label. And make no mistake, it's a drug.

Much of the hype about drugs ignores the fact that they're dangerous because for all we know, 50% or more of what is sold as ecstasy may be rat poison or something equally toxic. How do you legislate to stop people doing what they want to do? Many people want to take substances, including alcohol, that alter their mood or consciousness. Most people are able to do it without causing themselves or others excessive harm. It could be argued that the likelihood of harm would be reduced even further by a regulated industry which restricts supply, provides warnings to consumers and monitors the content of what is sold.

There will be always people who could be described as having addictive personalities. But it could be argued that their addictions may have more to do with their personalities than with the substance they take. Can it be argued that if drugs were regulated it would be more difficult for addicts to acquire large quantities of them? There would be warnings about their use or misuse. Sale could be restricted. Content and quality would meet certain standards...

It's time to debate whether all we've done in the past has progressed the issue at all. If the situation is not improving, and it appears it's not, we might have to think of other strategies. I simply don't know. But I think the arguments are worth ventilating. . . read more

Consumers rule in Murdoch's evil empire
23 jul  |  If ever we needed proof of the public's complicity in the News of the World debacle, it came on Wednesday when Wendi Deng defended her husband, Rupert Murdoch, against a foam attack. by Catherine Marshall . . read more
Fox News vs Global Warming
10 jul  |  There is still debate about the seriousness, cause and effect of climate change. Rupert Murdoch's Fox News network is leading the global warming sceptics. . . read more
Hunter S. Thompson and the Greatest Cover Letter Ever Written
2 oct  |  Hunter S. Thompson and the Greatest Cover Letter Ever Written . . read more
The power of journalism
14 feb  |   

If the shock of Egypt’s unexpected uprising and success has a debt to anything, it is journalism. The lack of raw power only hides the strong impact that this trade has. Journalists themselves look timid, out of place, running around perhaps accompanied by a cameraman, harmless mischief-makers. But Egypt showed how everyone’s a journalist, how journalism embodies the voices of the people and gives them an outlet that reverberates throughout the globe- by Sumer Dayal (UNSW, Sydney)  . . read more

Fox News Attacks Obama & Edwards
20 dec  |  Conservative Murdoch owned Fox News is using bully boy tactics again. This time, they are trying to get Democrat candidates for U.S. President, Senator Obama and Senator Edwards, to buckle to their threats and accusations. . . read more
i-doser: the new high? By Simon Moore
15 aug  |  i-doser: the new high? By Simon Moore . . read more
blogs   100words
 
It is imperative that the American people be educated on the dangers of the Fed and the importance of restoring sound money. Now that nearly 50 years have elapsed since silver was removed from circulation, fewer and fewer Americans have firsthand familiarity with real money.

The laying of the groundwork must begin today, so that the American people will be prepared for the day when the mirage the Fed has created evaporates completely.