Rupert Murdoch Steps Down: Australia Reflects on Media Success and Impact on Democracy
The recent announcement of Rupert Murdoch stepping down from the leadership of his media empire has prompted reflection in Australia. For some, it is an opportunity to celebrate the country’s greatest business success story. Others, however, view it as a welcome reduction of influence for a man they perceive as a danger to democracy and the planet itself.
As the news broke that Murdoch was relinquishing his position as chairman of Fox Corp and News Corp, many in Australia quickly acknowledged that there will never be another figure quite like him. The magnitude of his achievements is striking, with one individual remarking, For one bloke to lead the world’s most powerful family, build a A$30 billion ($19 billion) fortune, and shape global affairs for decades is extraordinary.
However, in more recent years, concerns have grown about the legacy of Murdoch’s media empire. Critics point to the amplification of falsehoods during the 2020 U.S. presidential election and the questioning of climate science as examples of the toxicity associated with Murdoch’s outlets.
Despite the changing landscape of media consumption, Murdoch’s influence in Australia remains unparalleled. Approximately 60% of the country’s daily newspapers, including the national broadsheet The Australian, are owned by News Corp. This massive reach ensures that Murdoch’s influence is deeply embedded within Australia’s information ecosystem.
Sky News Australia, a cable TV channel modeled after the partisan style of Fox News, is among Murdoch’s local properties. Its existence further solidifies Murdoch’s reach and influence, particularly among working-class demographics.
Interestingly, Australian politicians across the ideological spectrum maintain friendly relationships with Murdoch’s company, unlike in other markets where left-leaning lawmakers tend to avoid it. This is largely attributed to the continued influence that Murdoch’s publications hold over public opinion.
In response to queries about the fairness of Murdoch’s newspapers toward left-leaning parties, Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers declined to comment on specific coverage. However, he acknowledged Murdoch’s controversial yet influential figure, stating that it marks the end of an era at News Corp.
Former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, known for his moderate conservative views, expressed both recognition of Murdoch’s business success and concern about the damage he has inflicted on the democratic world. Turnbull specifically highlighted the divisive nature of Fox News in the United States and its contribution to increased anger among the populace.
Rupert Murdoch’s exit represents a significant change, as it severs a native tie between News Corp, Fox Corp, and Australia. However, his son Lachlan Murdoch, who assumes sole chairmanship of News Corp while continuing his role at Fox, still resides in Sydney with his Australian-born wife and family.
Australia continues to play a pivotal role in Murdoch’s companies. Notably, a campaign led by Murdoch’s Australian newspapers compelled the country’s government to legislate that tech giants, such as Meta and Google owner Alphabet, pay media outlets for content displayed on their websites. This move prompted similar actions in the United States and Canada.
It is worth mentioning that News Corp’s coverage of the Australian bushfires drew attention due to its questioning of the role of global warming. James Murdoch, Rupert’s other son, publicly disagreed with the editorial content and eventually resigned from the company’s board.
As Rupert Murdoch steps down, his influence on the media landscape is undeniable. While some in Australia recognize his extraordinary success as a business figure, others caution against the negative impacts associated with his media empire. Ultimately, his departure marks an end of an era, prompting reflection and discussion about the role of media and democracy in Australia and beyond.
