Curious Worldview Eric Beecher| The Rogues Gallery Of Media Moguls & The Men Who Killed The News
Dec 1, 2025
Eric Beecher, a seasoned journalist and media entrepreneur, dives into the alarming decline of quality journalism in his conversation. He recounts his experiences in major media, including working under Rupert Murdoch. Beecher discusses how profit motives have overshadowed civic duty in media ownership, the rise of sensationalism, and the impact of algorithms on news. He also warns about the threats posed by unregulated AI in journalism and explains why well-funded journalism is essential for democratic accountability.
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Sensationalism Fueled Media Power
- Sensational journalism scaled audience and ad revenue into massive power for early moguls.
- That formula turned popular mastheads into near-monopolies funding journalism and influence.
Barriers Built The Media Moat
- Historic media moats came from high barriers to entry like presses, distribution and large staffs.
- Those moats made incumbents buy threats rather than get competed away.
Murdoch's Casual Editorial Extremes
- Rupert Murdoch proposed extreme measures during editorial meetings, once suggesting "capital punishment" for graffiti teenagers.
- Eric Beecher used that moment to note how a mogul's whim can steer sustained front-page campaigns.
