The Rest Is Politics The Monster He Made: Murdoch, Trump, and the Price of Power (Part 4)
36 snips
Nov 3, 2025 
Michael Wolff, a two-time biographer of Rupert Murdoch and media commentator, delves into Murdoch's intricate world. He discusses the impact of Fox News on Donald Trump's rise and how editorial choices shaped political narratives. They explore Murdoch's family dynamics, including his marriage breakdown linked to corporate tensions and alleged affairs. Wolff also reveals how Fox News cultivated a nationalistic ideology, showcasing the intersection of media, politics, and personal drama in Murdoch's life.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Persistence As A Strategic Tool
- Murdoch consistently convinces others he will become what he is not yet by sheer persistence and image.
- Michael Wolff says Murdoch accomplishes aims by sitting tight until they happen rather than conceding early.
Fox Born From A Spurned Bid
- Murdoch started Fox after failing to buy CNN and hired Roger Ailes, who demanded editorial carte blanche.
- Ailes transformed the network into a 24/7 tabloid-style channel that quickly gained viewers.
TV As Top-Down Performance
- Roger Ailes ran Fox as a top-down, audience-focused operation rather than a traditional newsroom.
- Wolff describes Ailes' model as telling an audience what it wants, not objectively reporting news.