Murdoch's newspaper under investigation in Britain

I have hated Rupert Murdoch for decades. Murdoch Minor has only been on my hate list for a very short time in comparison. 'Tis a pity that Brooks will act as body armour for that pair of scoundrels.

It all depends on how much she spills to save her own hide.

Or she may have a darker outcome.

Ah, but of course: Assassination!

This Brooks lady sounds like she go all Oliver North to defend Murdoch. It does seem like he formed actual friendships with people in his inner circle and they might be willing to fall on the sword for him.

Oh, no doubt she'd do that. Brooks and Mr Evil Murdoch Sr are pretty chummy.

To be honest, I would not give a fuck if News Int'l burns. Burn like the lies they print. But of course, as Leveson has found out, our government (and previous ones too!) have been a bit too close to News Int'l to even think about closing the operation down.

I see a few outcomes for the government:

a) the public forgets about this, the government survive

b) a vote of no-confidence is held, fresh elections called

c) only a few individuals are held accountable, but the government survives, albeit badly-damaged.

Of course, knowing British politics, a) is the most likely outcome, followed by c). Heck, I wouldn't be surprised if a) occurs. I would be very surprised if b) occurs.

The problem with the current government suffering due to being too close to Murdoch is that most of the opposition are also too close to Murdoch, including the Millibands.

Exactly. Nobody's hands are clean when it comes to Murdoch and the Press; neither the major Parties, the Civil Service, or other Government Departments*

In fact, it goes all the way back to World War II, at least. Winston Churchill did appoint a Press Baron (Beaverbrook) to be in charge of Aircraft Production, and later the Ministry of Supply.

Yes. Remember Murdoch saying during Leveson that he didn't have to approach any politicians?

That's because they all approached the fucker.

Boy, I'm guessing they hated the Ministry of Demand.

Don't you know there's a War on?

But yes, the Press and Politicians go right back, probably back to the time when the British Newspapers first appeared.

edited 17th May '12 6:24:04 AM by Greenmantle

IIRC, the first ever mass newspaper was something to do with supporting the government. So the idea of GOVERNMENT + NEWSPAPER = CIVIL MARRIAGE goes waaaaaaay back.

So essentially this is another expenses scandal, but with even more politicians involved and even fewer heads rolling.

Prrretty much.

I wouldn't be surprised if the opinion poll rating of public figures says that politicians are at negative percentage points.

They usually are.

Rupert Murdoch is actually Professor Moriarty

Leveson Inquiry: Catch...you...later.

Murdoch (singsong): No you won't...!

He could be though, when you think about it.

But in calling Murodch a criminal you are uttering libel in the eyes of the law — and there lie the glory and the wonder of it! The greatest schemer of all time, the organizer of every deviltry, the controlling brain of the underworld, a brain which might have made or marred the destiny of nations — that’s the man! But so aloof is he from general suspicion, so immune from criticism, so admirable in his management and self-effacement, that for those very words that you have uttered he could hale you to a court and emerge with your year’s pension as a solatium for his wounded character. Is he not the celebrated owner of Sky Sports News, a channel which ascends to such rarefied heights of breaking news that it is said that there was no man in the sporting press capable of criticizing it? Is this a man to traduce? Foulmouthed Troper and slandered Aussie — such would be your respective roles! That’s genius, Watson.

edited 18th May '12 1:58:24 PM by TheBatPencil

The avatar really makes it for that post.

Oh good, next week they get to ask Blair why he wanted to be godfather to Murdoch's daughter.

Blair is there now. The BBC is already covering his opening statement. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18228898 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-18233812

...and Blair has finished: Leveson Inquiry: Press relations unhealthy, says Tony Blair, and here is BBC Political Editor Nick Robinson's view of the events.

There was some excitement; Blair was interrupted by an anti-war protestor:

edited 28th May '12 8:33:42 AM by Greenmantle

When is Hunt due? What actual day?

Thursday, the only person that day. Gove and May are tomorrow, and Cable and Clark are on Wednesday.

So, Blair's explanation of cuddling up to the Murdochs is one of Keep your friends close and your enemies closer?

That's why he says but its probably more along the lines of "Have you tried to get elected without this man's support?"

The amount of influence that man has is frightening. And his media empire and its reach will likely outlive him as well.