Murdoch Malfeasance

The lead article in today’s New York Times, “Murdoch Closing Tabloid Linked to British Hacking,” shows, in shocking detail, the arrogance and presumption of this media mogul, now tied to scandal in Great Britain based on the actions of his tabloid publication, “The News of the World.”

Despite its status as Britain’s largest circulation newspaper, recent actions by The News of the World have cast it into disrepute, especially the hacking into the phone of a 13-year-old murder victim. The girl, Milly Dowler, had been abducted at the time, and the hacking reportedly hampered efforts of the police to find her.

But it wasn’t just this isolated incident. The News of the World has been exposed for regular payments to the police for information including confidential documents. And the status of the editor, Andy Coulson, who is a former spokesperson for Britain’s current prime minister, David Cameron, has given the scandal a political tinge.

Now, Mr. Murdoch is trying to cut his losses by closing the publication, with a real goal of preserving his attempt to take over the TV station, British Sky Broadcasting. We will see if the British government and the people have enough outrage to stop him. Murdoch is a ruthless businessman, and true journalism is the least of his concerns.