I bought Man Bites Murdoch by former Herald Sun Editor Bruce Guthrie in October last year. Unfortunately it sat in a pile of other books I want to get to. While I read a book a week, for some reason I never picked Man Bites Murdoch up. That changed this week. I have just finished the book. It is interesting to read it in the context off the still unfolding UK phone hacking scandal. It is quite different to Michael Wolff’s book, The Man Who Owns The News, which I read last year.
This blog rates a fleeting mention in Guthrie’s book, on page 313.
In Man Bites Murdoch Bruce Guthrie takes us through his years working for News Limited, over two stints and other highlights of his career. While the subsequent unfair dismissal action brought by Guthrie against News speaks for itself, the book provides an excellent first person insight into the culture of News Limited from the perspective of a senior executive who was once feted, lauded and then cut down.
Many distribution newsagents are concerned about what is planned for newspaper distribution. The concern is reflected in the price now being paid for newspaper home delivery territories and the desire of many to exit.
If we think about the lack of fairness demonstrated through cover price control, the handling of Guthrie, the UK phone hacking scandal, the biased and poor quality reporting of the climate change debate and the master / slave type relationship between publisher and newsagent, I can understand why newsagents are concerned.
Yes, it may be a stretch to connect these separate matters together. For me, however, the go to the heart of what the company is prepared to do the the company, This, after all, is their obligation – to their shareholders.
I will get this book, I dont think it is a stretch, I do not think as you constantly remind us can rely on publishes for the future thus diversity.
I am sure I will get some bad thoughts on this. The Obligation to Shareholders (all companies) has eventually / will / put small business under more fiscal pressure, this puts the consumer under more fiscal pressure.
Companies have to explain to shareholders that a sustained period of consolidation is required, it just cannot go on as it has been..
One example is Coca Cola, how long can we all sustain these price rises and how long can the consumer afford to buy them from small business.
Derek, Guthrie has some interesting things to say about print and journalism along the way which I think newsagents will find interesting.
Big businesses struggle to act genuinely ethically and with genuine social responsibility because they cannot fit either into a KPI managed corporate structure.
One only had to watch the grilling of the Murdoch’s last night on TV. Riveting.
We could be entering a golden era for smaller business.
Mark – A golden era for small business is what is needed, I agree it has to happen, Big Coporations must know it has to happen and have pushed it to breaking point.
Shareholder companies has pushed business of its axis and a correction must be made via small business to rectify this serious situation.
In my view if it does not happen I am not sure what will happen big or small.
You are right – it is a conflict! ethics & real social responsibility V’s Greedy KPI driven directives.
Derek it is up to each of us, we in small business. We need to lead and make noise so that the community understands.
Purchased book off Ebay $16 with postage.
Enjoying reading it, however the senders address was a Newsagency Marketing Group situated near airport.
Finished and although its a one sided story I enjoyed it.
Your blog received a mention but not sure on what subject.
It does seem in Guthries particular case it was very hard to be an editor, Politicians, Commissioners trying to stop Journalism, CEO’s, Boards that are out of touch & owners interfering makes it hard to be an editor in this case Victoria. Great insight into some of the workings and a great insight how commercialism now outranks real Journalism.