Rupert Murdoch, the renowned media mogul, has played a significant role in transforming Australia’s media landscape. From inheriting his father’s newspaper in Adelaide at the young age of 22 to establishing a global media empire, Murdoch’s hunger for power and desire for money have driven his success. However, as his career approaches its twilight years, questions arise about his lasting impact on Australia’s media institutions and democratic processes.
Australia’s media market is one of the most concentrated in the Western world, with Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp holding a significant stake in the print market, drawing criticism from former prime ministers. Calls for a Royal Commission to investigate Murdoch’s influence on the nation’s democracy have intensified, with allegations that his papers profit off an “anger-tainment ecosystem.”
However, experts argue that it is Murdoch’s impact on media ownership, right-wing news culture, and institutions that truly matter. His legacy extends beyond his personal life, as he is part of a lineage of popular press barons. Murdoch’s father, Sir Keith Murdoch, was a well-known reporter and founding member of the Australian Journalists Association. Rupert Murdoch built upon his father’s legacy, acquiring newspapers and radio stations while establishing himself as a strong voice of the political right.
Murdoch’s strategic use of larger headlines and brasher stories allowed him to outshine his competitors. By 1964, he owned newspapers in every state and launched Australia’s first national broadsheet, The Australian. His expansion continued internationally, with News Corp venturing into the UK market, where his father had previously failed.
In 1996, News Corp further expanded with the launch of Sky News Australia, a 24-hour TV journalism channel known for its opinion-based prime time offering. However, the channel has faced criticism for segments that are described as polarizing or misleading. Prof. Dwyer highlights the decades of climate change skepticism promoted by News Corp, attributing it to the channel’s highly opinionated right-wing viewpoints.
Rupert Murdoch’s close relationships with influential political figures in the US and UK have been well-documented. Australian leaders also acknowledge his influence, with former prime minister Kevin Rudd expressing fear of the power wielded by the Murdoch media beast. However, News Corp executives reject this characterization, emphasizing their commitment to the robust exchange of news and opinions.
Efforts to initiate a Royal Commission into News Corp’s power have faced obstacles, despite garnering significant public support. Australia’s current prime minister, Anthony Albanese, has expressed his lack of support for the proposal. Nonetheless, the influence of News Corp remains a topic of debate, particularly after the 2022 federal election and the rise of climate-friendly, independent candidates, suggesting a potential waning of News Corp’s grip on the Australian electorate.
While traditional media is losing its appeal among younger Australian audiences, experts predict that News Corp’s influence will persist due to its brand’s continuity. Regardless of who is at the helm, the News Corp culture remains untouched, and Rupert Murdoch’s son, Lachlan, who is set to inherit the media empire, is known for his right-wing views. This suggests that change within the organization is unlikely.
As Rupert Murdoch’s career nears its end, his influence and impact on Australia’s media landscape cannot be denied. Whether his legacy will be remembered positively or negatively remains an open question, but the discussions surrounding his influence shed light on the importance of media ownership, political bias, and democratic processes in the modern era.