Former editor of The Sun, Kelvin MacKenzie, PoliticsJOE's Ava Santina, and former Boris Johnson adviser Cleo Watson join to discuss Rupert Murdoch stepping aside as chairman of Fox and News Corp. COP26 President Sir Alok Sharma shares thoughts on Rishi Sunak's pivot on net zero plans. Topics include Murdoch's retirement, UK's leadership in climate action, Brand Britain's reputation, and personal choices on vegetarianism and meat reduction.
Rupert Murdoch announces retirement, handing over power to his son, marking a significant shift in the media landscape.
The influence of Murdoch's media empire has diminished as shifts in media consumption and a more diverse media landscape have occurred.
Deep dives
Rupert Murdoch's Retirement from Media Empire
Rupert Murdoch, the global media mogul, announced his retirement as chairman of many of his companies, handing over power to his eldest son, Lachlan. This marks a significant shift in the media landscape, as Murdoch has been a prominent figure in the news business for decades. While he will still have a day-to-day grip on the company, this transition raises questions about the future of his media empire. Murdoch's career has been characterized by his grit and determination, particularly evident in his efforts to turn around The Times, which was once losing money but is now profitable. Power and financial success have been driving forces for Murdoch, and his decision to retire reflects his cautious yet decisive nature. While his influence on the media landscape may have waned in recent years, the impact of his retirement remains to be seen.
The Declining Influence of the Murdoch Press
Once a dominant force in shaping public opinion, the influence of the Murdoch press, including newspapers like The Sun and The Times, has diminished over the years. While Murdoch's media empire once held considerable sway, particularly during the height of its circulation figures, shifts in media consumption and a more diverse media landscape have made its influence less significant. The decline in print newspaper readership, along with the rise of digital platforms and alternative news sources, has contributed to this change. While the endorsement of the Murdoch press may still make headlines, it no longer holds the same level of influence it once did. The changing media landscape has allowed for a broader spectrum of information sources, and people are now looking beyond traditional legacy media for a more comprehensive understanding of current events.
Rishi Sunak's Climate Policy Announcement
Rishi Sunak's recent speech on climate policy has generated mixed reactions. The decision to delay the ban on petrol and diesel cars until 2035 and the watering down of other targets has raised concerns among environmentalists and experts. Delaying these policies can lead to extra costs for consumers, hinder the development of the second-hand market for electric vehicles, and affect the training prospects for individuals pursuing careers related to the green transition. While Sunak aims to present a more honest and nuanced approach to climate action, critics argue that the delay and the potential impact on costs undermine the UK's leadership in decarbonization efforts. The true extent of the consequences and effectiveness of these policy shifts remains to be seen.
Challenges and Expectations for UK Climate Leadership
The perception of the UK's climate leadership has faced scrutiny following Rishi Sunak's policy announcements. Concerns have been voiced by international partners and climate action advocates who seek reassurance that the UK will continue to lead in tackling climate change. The UK's previous successes in decarbonizing its economy quickly have earned respect and admiration internationally. However, recent decisions and the perception of less ambitious actions have raised doubt among other nations. Particularly with COP28 on the horizon, the UK's message and actions will be closely watched. In order to maintain its global standing and demonstrate a commitment to climate action, the UK needs to reaffirm its ambition and present a positive vision for the future.
Rupert Murdoch has stepped aside as chairman of Fox and News Corp. Adam and Chris are joined by former editor of The Sun, Kelvin MacKenzie, PoliticsJOE’s Ava Santina and former Boris Johnson adviser Cleo Watson to discuss what this means for the media landscape.
And COP26 President Sir Alok Sharma dials in from the UN Climate Action Summit in New York to give his thoughts on Rishi Sunak’s pivot on net zero plans.
You can join our Newscast online community here: https://tinyurl.com/newscastcommunityhere.
Today's Newscast was presented by Adam Fleming and Chris Mason. It was made by George Dabby with Sam McLaren and Keiligh Baker. The senior news editors are Jonathan Aspinwall and Sam Bonham.
TOPICS:
02:18 - Murdoch
20:18 - Alok Sharma
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