Media mogul’s massive influence laid bare
The Rise Of The Murdoch Dynasty BBC2, 9pm
AT the age of 22, Rupert Murdoch inherited a chain of Australian newspapers following the death of his father in 1952. Fifteen years later, after a series of acquisitions, Murdoch had amassed a portfolio of publications worth more than $50million. Today, Murdoch is one of the most influential people in the media industry, with business interests spanning television broadcasting and entertainment content, to newspapers and book publishing. The two empires that he has built over the last six decades – News Corp and Fox Corporation – own well-established media properties including The Sun, The Times, Fox News, The Wall Street Journal, Harpercollins and the New York Post. According to Forbes’ 2019 list of wealthiest Americans, Murdoch and his family rank No.24 with an estimated net worth of $19.1 billion. Despite his reputation, wealth and undoubted success, Murdoch’s own tale has rarely been told – until now. This three-part documentary series tells the incredible story of the tycoon, who is seen by some as an extraordinary businessman, but to others a darker force. Featuring interviews including Hugh Grant, Steve Bannon, Max Mosley, Piers Morgan, Nigel Farage, Alastair Campbell, Lord Alan Sugar, Tom Watson, two deputy prime ministers, senior ex-employees and a convicted phone hacker, it interweaves Murdoch’s behind-the-scenes influence on world events with the personal battle for power at the heart of his own family. Murdoch has long wielded his influence in politics at the highest level. For more than 40 years no British Prime Minister has won a General Election without enjoying Murdoch’s support, and he is credited with helping Donald Trump become US President. This programme begins in 1995, with a young Tony Blair flying halfway around the world to Murdoch’s private island. Blair is looking for Murdoch’s support to become Britain’s next Prime Minister and from this burgeoning relationship unfolds a narrative reminiscent of a dramatic political thriller. Critics claim that Murdoch’s organisation cultivated too much influence over the UK Government, lobbying for war in Iraq, enjoying open access to the PM and favourable treatment when it came to business dealings. Supporters, however, claim this is how business works, especially when you’re as influential as Murdoch. After all, as prime ministers and presidents come and go, Murdoch remains ever present and powerful. But while his business goes from strength to strength, we see how cracks began to appear in the Murdoch family, pointing to deeper, darker problems. The dynamic is rocked when Rupert marries Wendi Deng, a woman 37 years his junior in 1999, polarising the children and jeopardising the mogul’s plans for succession. It’s always been expected that one day Murdoch will pass on his business empire to his children. And while the three main candidates all appear keen to prove themselves as worthy successors, insiders reveal how Murdoch both helps and hamstrings his children and never truly lets them escape their father’s long shadow. Playing out on a canvas of exclusive parties, glamorous yachts, private jets, weddings, tabloid newsrooms and private dinner meetings, this fascinating series presents a unique portrait of 21st-century Britain through one of the world’s most influential figures.