The shadow cast over journalism by Rupert Murdoch's media empire has long been a topic of concern for many. A new book, 'Getting Murdoched', sheds light on the widespread practice of personal attacks allegedly employed by News Corp, sparking debate about the blurred lines between robust reporting and editorial abuse.
Authors Andrew Dodd and Matthew Ricketson, Australian journalism academics with first-hand experience working under The Australian newspaper's umbrella, claim to have uncovered a pattern of behaviour where individuals whose views or actions are seen as contrary to Murdoch's interests are targeted through relentless and personal attacks. The term 'Murdoched', coined by the authors, refers to the phenomenon of being "editorially attacked when one’s ideas or deeds do not accord with the media proprietor’s programmes or publications".
One UK case cited in the book involves Professor David Nutt, who served as chief drugs adviser to the Labour government in 2009. Following a public statement suggesting alcohol posed a greater social problem than psychedelic drugs, Professor Nutt alleges he was approached by a Sun reporter who threatened an exposé on his children's personal lives. The subsequent article under the headline 'Off his Nutt', which featured images of his children from their social media profiles, highlights the alleged tactic of using family members as leverage to discredit critics.
The authors argue that these strategies, consistent across the US, UK, and Australia, have resulted in a perversion of journalism's fundamental function. Rather than holding power accountable, Murdoch's outlets are accused of scrutinising individuals who hold opposing viewpoints, creating a "chilling effect" on democratic discourse.
Through dozens of interviews with prominent figures and ordinary citizens across these three countries, 'Getting Murdoched' seeks to illustrate the extent of News Corp and Fox Corporation's alleged tactics in dealing with critics. While the book does not make claims about every individual case, it suggests a consistent approach by Murdoch's outlets, raising questions about the role of media in modern democracy.