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The New Statesman | UK politics and culture

Bezos, Murdoch, Musk: what drives the men who control our media?

Nov 4, 2024
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.
26:43

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • 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.

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