Rupert Murdoch’s Retirement and the Release of “The Fall”
Introduction
Rupert Murdoch, the media mogul, recently announced his retirement from the boards of Fox and News Corporation. Interestingly, this announcement coincided with the upcoming release of Michael Wolff’s new book, “The Fall.” The book provides an inside look into the final days of Murdoch’s influential tenure in global news. It sheds light on the challenges faced by Fox News, including interpersonal drama and legal battles with election-technology companies Dominion and Smartmatic.
Timing and Speculations
Wolff suggests that his book may have influenced Murdoch’s decision to retire. He believes that the book was seen as a direct attack on Murdoch, prompting him to act preemptively. However, Wolff also speculates that Murdoch’s retirement may be an attempt to avoid testifying in the Smartmatic case. Despite this, Wolff believes Murdoch will eventually be forced to testify.
The Leadership Vacuum at Fox News
Wolff argues that Fox News has appeared rudderless in recent years, even under Murdoch’s leadership. With a 92-year-old at the helm, decision-making becomes challenging and uncoordinated. Although Lachlan Murdoch, Rupert’s eldest son, is set to take over, Wolff claims that Lachlan has distanced himself from the decision-making process. Additionally, Lachlan’s position is precarious since he owes his job to his father’s proxy and may be pushed out by his siblings in the future.
The Future of Fox News
Wolff acknowledges that if Fox News moves away from its conservative politics, it would cease to be Fox News. He suggests that James Murdoch, another of Rupert’s sons, envisions turning the network into an aggressively straight news organization like Sky News. However, Wolff believes this goes against the trend in cable news television and would require someone willing to lose a significant amount of money.
Trump’s Influence and Fox News
Wolff highlights how Fox News has benefited from its audience’s strong support for Donald Trump. However, with Trump’s rise in the polls, there is now a force within the Republican Party that is larger than Fox News. This raises questions about how Fox News will evolve as Trump becomes the Republican nominee.
Lachlan Murdoch and Rupert’s Legacy
Wolff asserts that Lachlan’s vision for Fox News is to keep his father happy and maintain his status and standing. Despite Rupert’s age and fragility, he continues to share his opinions and exert influence. The future of Fox News, therefore, remains uncertain.
Tucker Carlson’s Second Act
According to Wolff, Tucker Carlson has a good chance at a meaningful second act. With a large and loyal audience, Carlson could potentially succeed outside of traditional television platforms.
Misconceptions about Rupert Murdoch
Wolff argues that fictionalized portrayals of Murdoch, such as in the TV show “Succession,” do not accurately capture his real-life persona. Murdoch is described as profoundly inarticulate and incredibly shy, despite his aggressive business tactics.
Conclusion
In the twilight of Rupert Murdoch’s tenure, the media landscape appears dysfunctional. “The Fall” provides insights into the challenges faced by Fox News and the uncertainties surrounding its future. As Murdoch finally relinquishes control, there is a sense of poignancy in his departure.