Almost 50 years ago, Rupert Murdoch was asked by the ABC if he enjoyed running a newspaper empire and telling his editors what to do. Peter Nicholls: Do you like the feeling of power you have as a newspaper proprietor, of being able to sort of formulate policies for a large number of newspapers in every state of Australia? Rupert Murdoch: Well, there’s only one honest answer to that, and that’s yes. Of course one enjoys the feeling of power. — ABC, Five Australians: Rupert Murdoch, 25th July, 1967 In that same program, Murdoch volunteered his views on press freedom, and he was very clear about what was needed in Australia to ensure that freedom was preserved. Rupert Murdoch: I think the important thing is that there be plenty of newspapers with plenty of different people controlling them, so that there’s a variety of viewpoints, so there’s a choice for the public. This is the freedom of the press that is needed. Freedom of the press mustn’t be one-sided just for a publisher to speak as he pleases, to try and bully the community. — ABC, Five Australians: Rupert Murdoch, 25th July, 1967 Shall we just hear that again? Freedom of the press must not just be one-sided, for a publisher to speak as he pleases, to bully the community. I couldn’t have put that better myself. And if you want more on this theme, you’ll find plenty more on our website. But for now that’s all from us. Goodbye. abc.net.au/mediawatch/transcripts/s3834127.htm a few seconds ago
Posted on: Tue, 27 Aug 2013 05:05:11 +0000
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