Bezos, Murdoch, Musk: what drives the men who control our media?
Nov 4, 2024
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Alison Phillips, former editor of The Daily Mirror and contributing writer for the New Statesman, dives deep into the motivations behind media moguls like Jeff Bezos. She unpacks the Washington Post's surprising decision to remain neutral in the presidential race, citing potential bias and financial fears. The conversation also explores the historical influence of media barons, comparing figures from Joseph Pulitzer to Rupert Murdoch, and discusses how these powerful owners shape political narratives and public perception, especially in the context of upcoming elections.
The Washington Post's decision to not endorse a presidential candidate reveals the influence of ownership interests on journalistic integrity and public perception.
The historical context of media ownership by figures like Bezos and Murdoch illustrates the dangers of concentrated power affecting independent journalism and political discourse.
Deep dives
The Washington Post's Non-Endorsement Surprise
The Washington Post chose not to endorse a presidential candidate ahead of the recent US election, breaking a long-standing tradition that has influenced political races for decades. This decision sparked significant backlash, leading to resignations within the editorial board and a noticeable drop in subscription numbers. Editorial leadership suggested that treating readers as capable of making their own decisions is a more mature approach, yet many staff members believe owner Jeff Bezos influenced this decision due to his business interests. The choice was particularly striking given the publication's history of liberal endorsement, leading to speculation about the motivations behind the non-endorsement and its implications for journalistic integrity.
The Weight of Historical Influence
The podcast contextualizes the Washington Post's decision within the historical landscape of media ownership, highlighting how influential figures like Jeff Bezos and Rupert Murdoch have shaped the news narrative. Historical media barons, such as Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst, recognized the power of journalism and often used it for their gain, drawing parallels to today's media landscape. These figures understood that controlling media outlets can exert substantial influence over public opinion and political outcomes, raising concerns about the continuing concentration of media power among wealthy individuals. The discussion reflects on how such ownership dynamics affect the media’s ability to remain independent and serve the public interest.
Consequences and Considerations for the Future of Media
The significant subscriber losses reported by the Washington Post, approximately 200,000 or 8% of its base, indicate urgent challenges for traditional media outlets in an evolving digital landscape. Although Jeff Bezos brought resources to the Post, it remains a loss-making endeavor, and the recent non-endorsement decision raises questions about its long-term viability and journalistic credibility. The conversation also points out broader implications for the media industry, as fewer legacy titles impact the political narrative and public discourse amid changing consumption habits. Attention is drawn to how these financial pressures could threaten the quality of journalism, which relies heavily on resources to investigate and report impactful stories.
What was behind the Washington Post's shock decision not to endorse a presidential candidate? It's owner, Jeff Bezos, has cited reasons of impartiality and a perception of bias. Others have suggested that the decision was financially motivated, made out of fear of losing support and contracts from a Trump government.
Tom Gatti is joined by Alison Phillips, former editor of the Daily Mirror, to discuss the impact of this choice and also what drives the handful of men who have controlled our media throughout history.
Read more from Alison Phillips on the New Statesman here