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Murdoch’s Shadow Looms at Journal

Are calls to reporters a sign of generosity or more like handcuffs?

By Polly Davis Doig,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 24, 2007 2:25 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Rupert Murdoch is on a yacht in the Mediterranean, but his presence is already being felt at the newspaper in lower Manhattan he doesn't own yet.  The media baron rolled up his sleeves and called three reporters at the Wall Street Journal—which he bought for $5 billion last month—asking them to reconsider leaving the paper.

Some at the paper took the move as a sign of Murdoch’s commitment to maintaining quality; others as evidence that he can't keep from interfering in the newsroom he's agreed to stay out of. But the Journal, currently embroiled in union contract talks, waits to see what lies ahead. Said departing reporter Tara Parker-Pope, who got one of the calls, "It's always been a great newspaper—and now it's a great newspaper with resources."

Media billionaire Rupert Murdoch has not yet taken the reins of his $5 billion acquisition, the Wall Street Journal, but is already asking staffers who are thinking about leaving the newspaper to stay. Murdoch has promised publicly to boost financial resources at the paper, particularly in terms of Washington and...
Media billionaire Rupert Murdoch has not yet taken the reins of his $5 billion acquisition, the Wall Street Journal, but is already asking staffers who are thinking about leaving the newspaper to stay....   (Associated Press)
Media billionaire Rupert Murdoch has not yet taken the reins of his $5 billion acquisition, the Wall Street Journal, but is already asking staffers who are thinking about leaving the newspaper to stay. Murdoch has promised publicly to boost financial resources at the paper, particularly in terms of Washington and...
Media billionaire Rupert Murdoch has not yet taken the reins of his $5 billion acquisition, the Wall Street Journal, but is already asking staffers who are thinking about leaving the newspaper to stay....   (Associated Press)
Media billionaire Rupert Murdoch has not yet taken the reins of his $5 billion acquisition, the Wall Street Journal, but is already asking staffers who are thinking about leaving the newspaper to stay. Murdoch has promised publicly to boost financial resources at the paper, particularly in terms of Washington and...
Media billionaire Rupert Murdoch has not yet taken the reins of his $5 billion acquisition, the Wall Street Journal, but is already asking staffers who are thinking about leaving the newspaper to stay....   (Associated Press)
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Are we overreacting to Murdoch's gesture?
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US • Media • Money

 
newspaper • Rupert Murdoch • Wall Street Journal • acquisition • buyout

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