Unveiling the Damaging Impact of Rupert Murdoch on Media and Politics

David Zurawik, a professor of practice in media studies at Goucher College and former media critic at the Baltimore Sun, asserts that Rupert Murdoch has had a significant and negative impact on American political and media life over the past 27 years.

David Zurawik

Mich Rouse

At 92 years old, the founder of Fox and News Corporation, is stepping down from his day-to-day control of the boards. He is transitioning to the role of chairman emeritus for both companies. However, his tenure has been marked by a reputation for reckless, partisan journalism and commentary. Some analysts argue that this style of reporting has contributed to the anger and polarization among the public, leading to a perceived threat to our democracy. Despite this transition of leadership to his son, Lachlan, it is unlikely that Fox's controversial business practices will see any significant improvements.

Apart from politicians and global economics, other factors also contribute to polarization. However, Murdoch's Fox News has played a significant part in exacerbating these divisions. By featuring the most outspoken and controversial members of Congress and unfairly blaming various groups, such as immigrants and Democrats, for the country's economic challenges, Fox News has contributed to the polarization.

Although Murdoch had been expanding his media empire through newspapers in Australia since the 1950s and in the US since the 70s, it was his establishment of the Fox News channel in 1996 that propelled him into a dominant position in American political life. Despite initially branding itself as "fair and balanced" (a slogan it abandoned a few years ago), the channel has consistently demonstrated biased reporting.

There was undoubtedly a niche for a conservative voices channel on cable TV during the 1990s. However, right from its inception, Fox News functioned more as a political operation rather than a journalistic one, with Roger Ailes appointed as its chief executive by Murdoch. Ailes, known for his instrumental role in assisting Richard Nixon's presidential election in 1968, specialized in the political manipulation of media.

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In the aftermath of World War II, mainstream media gatekeepers in the US were acutely aware of the destructive impact of propaganda and disinformation, as witnessed in Europe during the 1930s and 40s. The manipulation of information played a significant role in the rise of Adolf Hitler in Germany and Benito Mussolini in Italy.

However, Rupert Murdoch diverged from this cautious approach. He afforded Roger Ailes complete autonomy to employ any means necessary to establish Fox News as a prominent force. An aspect of Murdoch's legacy that deserves attention is his role in unleashing a deluge of propaganda, misinformation, and disinformation through cable news. This also laid the foundation for a formidable conservative messaging apparatus.

Now, as we strive to find trustworthy media platforms in order to comprehend extreme political actions such as the attack on the Capitol on January 6, 2021, or the refusal of a defeated president to facilitate a peaceful transfer of power, we can see the current state we are in. It is important to note that while Murdoch is not solely responsible for the lack of trust in the media and the surge of disinformation and misinformation, his Fox News has undoubtedly been the primary catalyst for spreading false narratives, including the claim that the 2020 election was rigged.

Having written about Murdoch and Fox since the 1980s, I have observed that Murdoch's primary concern has always been money rather than ideology. However, his biggest wrongdoing is his disregard for the social responsibility that mainstream American broadcasters have embraced as an integral part of their business operations.

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His operations, both at home and abroad, defied regulations and broke conventional norms of media conduct. Surprisingly, he has become an unexpected inspiration for a new wave of tech media moguls, such as Mark Zuckerberg, who initially denied accountability for the dissemination of false information on Facebook during the 2016 election. Elon Musk's approach to running X also bears resemblance to Murdoch's.

In 2011, Murdoch and his son James faced scrutiny in the UK as they were summoned to testify before Parliaments Culture, Media, and Sport Committee. The investigation was centered around a scandal involving News of the World, one of Murdoch's properties, and their alleged role in hacking the phone of a murdered teenager. To express accountability, Murdoch issued apologies through full-page ads published in seven newspapers.

Moving to the present year, Murdoch was questioned as part of Dominion Voting Systems' $1.6 billion lawsuit against Fox News. The lawsuit accused Fox News of spreading false claims regarding election fraud. During his deposition, Murdoch admitted that some Fox News hosts had indeed endorsed these baseless claims, suggesting that the 2020 election had been stolen.

Fox News resolved the case for $787.5 million in April, but continues to deal with additional legal issues regarding the unfounded allegations of election fraud that cause significant tension and conflict in present-day American society.

From a business standpoint, Murdoch is an immensely accomplished media personality. If you admire wealthy magnates and daring leaders in the industry, he is the person for you.

But as he now retires behind his wall of money, we are left to try to clean up the political wreckage he leaves behind.