Man Bites Murdoch: Review

News Ltd, with its aim of revenue maximisation, lost its way somewhere in the 1980s. One major player in the “fourth estate” dropped the ball. Consequently, it is only the older and wiser journalists, such as Laurie Oakes, who can report what he sees in front of him.

Other and less experienced journalists report what they think others expect of them. Juggling those expectations is a journalist’s job. It may be the product of “criteria sheets” at school. In Guthrie’s early career, editors made those judgement calls. Now “profitability” and “cash flow” are given priority on journalists’ “criteria sheets” equal to “grammar”, “spelling”, “readability” and “evidence based content”.

Once upon a time, newspapers reported facts, even if it meant the loss of a major advertising client. Things sorted themselves out and everyone kept their integrity.

News Ltd’s senior manager played a double game, telling Guthrie one thing, and others something different. Hence when Guthrie was sacked, he had reason to be surprised.

The book provides details on the court case “Man Bites Murdoch” and is a case study in poor management as much as it is one man’s contribution to a just newspaper industry.

This book is full of dates, places, people and dialogue. It is a well written transcript of Guthries’ life. It’s a fine text book for journalism students, a Christmas present for readers and a legacy for all Australians.

Highly recommended.