Malcolm Turnbull, the former Liberal prime minister, has unleashed a scathing attack on Rupert Murdoch and his media empire, comparing it to a 'drunk raving at the moon'. This personal and opinionated commentary highlights the ongoing tensions between Murdoch's media influence and Australian politics.
Turnbull's critique is multifaceted, focusing on Murdoch's impact on Brexit, Donald Trump, and climate denial. He argues that Murdoch's media empire, particularly Sky News, has created a 'polarised echo chamber' within Australian politics, which is 'sucking the Liberal Party down'.
The former politician also takes aim at the ABC's approach to handling News Corp outlets, suggesting that the public broadcaster should ignore them, just as it would ignore a 'drunk raving at the moon'. This commentary reflects a broader trend of increasing scrutiny of media influence in politics.
Turnbull's comments come at a time when the Labor government has shown a softer approach to Murdoch and News Corp, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese attending News Corp events and engaging with the media empire. However, Turnbull's strong language suggests a continued tension between the political establishment and Murdoch's media influence.
The article also highlights the personal history between Turnbull and Murdoch, with Turnbull claiming that Murdoch was trying to oust him in 2018. This personal connection adds a layer of complexity to the commentary, suggesting a deeper conflict between the political elite and Murdoch's media power.
In conclusion, Malcolm Turnbull's scathing attack on Rupert Murdoch and his media empire is a powerful commentary on the ongoing tensions between media influence and political power in Australia. It highlights the need for a critical approach to media consumption and the potential impact of media influence on political outcomes.
