The Murdoch Archipelago
by Bruce Page
On This Page
Description
As chief executive of News International, Rupert Murdoch controls a global media empire which boasts some of the major players in newspapers, television, publishing and the movie business. In the English-speaking world, and increasingly in untapped but potentially lucrative markets such as China, he wields an influence as political kingmaker second to none.Tags
Recommendations
Member Reviews
Bruce Page obviously loves the profession of journalism and has written a fine book about the business in it's political environment, specifically relating to Rupert Murdoch.
Murdoch's father Keith became an Australian hero by attacking the "Establishment" with populist lies about the ill fated Gallipoli landings and his son follows in his footsteps, also posing as an outsider while attaching himself to any political group in power.
Page amply illustrates the fiction of editorial independence at News International and shows beyond dispute that the group has achieved it's dominance by trading populist press support for political favours.
I think that it helps to have a familiarity with Anglo/American/Australian politics and press history show more from the 1970's onwards, but if you do have this interest, then it's an extremely valuable reflection on the real life power plays, idealism, responsibilities, confusions and compromises of journalism - in fact the best that I've read. show less
Murdoch's father Keith became an Australian hero by attacking the "Establishment" with populist lies about the ill fated Gallipoli landings and his son follows in his footsteps, also posing as an outsider while attaching himself to any political group in power.
Page amply illustrates the fiction of editorial independence at News International and shows beyond dispute that the group has achieved it's dominance by trading populist press support for political favours.
I think that it helps to have a familiarity with Anglo/American/Australian politics and press history show more from the 1970's onwards, but if you do have this interest, then it's an extremely valuable reflection on the real life power plays, idealism, responsibilities, confusions and compromises of journalism - in fact the best that I've read. show less
Long, detailed and sometimes tedious expose of the dirty digger
Ratings
Members
- Recently Added By
Published Reviews
ThingScore 58
For any future biographer of Murdoch, Page's book will be essential reading. Unfortunately the book is such a difficult read that its provocative analysis may be confined to an audience of media studies students and Murdoch junkies.
added by Shortride
This is an important and timely book... Bruce Page's book is full of original perceptions on the historical relationship between journalism and politics, in Australia and America as well as in Britain. It is also a sharp warning that the guardians of our city are about to open its gates once again to a man who has shown that he cannot be trusted.
added by Shortride
Page has always possessed all the energy and passion of the natural-born autodidact. Extraordinary individuals (ranging from Machiavelli to Max Weber) are enrolled under his banner in order to press his attack home. The result can be a little bewildering: there are so many detours off the main highway that sometimes it becomes difficult to recall where the road is leading.
Yet the book, untidy show more and sprawling as it is, does contain some good things. I learnt a fair amount, for example, from an early chapter giving a potted history of Australian journalism, including the role of the subject’s father, Sir Keith Murdoch. show less
Yet the book, untidy show more and sprawling as it is, does contain some good things. I learnt a fair amount, for example, from an early chapter giving a potted history of Australian journalism, including the role of the subject’s father, Sir Keith Murdoch. show less
added by Shortride
Author Information
6 Works 556 Members
Classifications
Statistics
- Members
- 43
- Popularity
- 686,016
- Reviews
- 2
- Rating
- (3.50)
- Languages
- English
- Media
- Paper, Ebook
- ISBNs
- 7
- ASINs
- 1
