Files show extent of Murdoch lobbying

[Rose Siding]

Freedom of information files released to the Guardian reveal how the media tycoon Rupert Murdoch wields extensive lobbying clout over the Blair government.

Mr Murdoch secured private reassurances from ministers during heavy lobbying that he would be able to buy Channel Five if he wanted to, according to partly censored documents released by the culture secretary, Tessa Jowell.

In previously undisclosed meetings, representatives of the Murdoch empire were able to lobby ministers six times in a crucial five-month period when an important bill was passing through parliament.

Citizens' groups have said they were unable to get similar face-to-face access to ministers.

There has been longstanding speculation that Mr Murdoch wants to buy Five, although he has denied that he intends to do so. His opponents fear that he would exert too much power if he was able to own a terrestrial channel as well as the satellite station Sky and four national newspapers.

The issue flared up when the government took a bill to modernise media industries through parliament. In what was widely described as the "Murdoch clause", ministers proposed to relax the rules and allow newspaper owners to buy terrestrial television channels.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/freedom/Story/0,2763,1382402,00.html

[checks-n-balances]

1. He has influenced politics in the U.S., U.K...

and also Australia, hasn't he? Does anyone know the extent to which he has actually changed things in Australia?

When will this unscrupulous right-winger be satisfied with the money and power that he already has???

[Sal Minella]

2. He's now an American citizen, I believe.....

Within the last year or 18 months (?) I read that he had become an American citizen and moved to the U.S. so he could influence Congress more easily, and within the last couple weeks he plunked down $40 mil cash-on-the-barrelhead for a penthouse apartment overlooking Central Park.

Immigrant success stories, I love 'em.

[NEOBuckeye]

3. When he's DEAD

I'm sure he'll be very satisfied then.

[eSTIV]

5. That makes two of us

I will be delighted to one day read his obituary.

[Matilda]

4. When the balance of the Senate changes in July

and Howard has full control of the parliament, he will bring forward
legislation to change the rules regarding foreign ownership of our
media, and also cross-ownership laws (which currently prevent any
proprietor from owning both newspaper and television outlets in
the same city). These laws will favor Murdoch, and unless there is
a revolt by Liberal backbenchers, it will go through. This will be
Murdoch's pay-off for his support of Howard in the last two
elections.