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Rupert Murdoch Accused of Anti-Semitism

Nov 19, 2012  •  Post A Comment

Rupert Murdoch is facing criticism that he issued an anti-Semitic message after he wrote in a tweet that the "Jewish-owned press" is favoring Hamas over Israel in news coverage of the Gaza conflict, reports The New York Times’ Media Decoder.

According to the story, Murdoch’s tweet read, "Why is Jewish owned press so consistently anti-Israel in every crisis?"

The article continues, "Twttter users and others instantly unleashed criticism calling Mr. Murdoch’s message anti-Semitic. Other Twitter users implied that the comment could taint coverage in Mr. Murdoch’s own newspapers, including The Wall Street Journal and The Times of London, which are reporting on the continuing Israel-Hamas conflict."

For example, the Media Decoder links to a story in the Daily Beast by Peter Bainart titled "Rupert Murdoch’s Offensive Tweet About the ‘Jewish Owned’ Press."

Bainart wrote that Murdoch’s tweek is "offensive to journalists because it implies that institutions of the ‘press’ should reflect the ideological biases of their owners. Reading Murdoch’s tweet, it would be logical to conclude that he believes that any newspaper he owns should reflect his right-wing views, even in its news coverage. … Murdoch’s tweet is offensive to Jews because he’s suggesting that when it comes to Israel, Jewish media-owners should let their Jewishness guide their journalism."

After the storm of criticism Murdoch tweeted, " ‘Jewish owned press’ have been sternly criticised, suggesting link to Jewish reporters. Don’t see this, but apologise unreservedly."

To which one follower of Murdoch then tweeted, "@rupertmurdoch if you ‘don’t see’ the criticism how on God’s earth can you genuinely apologise for it?"

3 Comments

  1. If it has not ocurred to anyone as yet, Mr. Murdoch’s idea of journalism is a singular viewpoint….his.
    If you have never encountered ANY of his publications, first, you’re very fortunate. Second, he has no idea that all stories have 2 or more sides that generally don’t conform to his. Any news source he condemns is probably where you should obtain ay least some of your news.

  2. Wait…I’m confused. Is Murdoch for Israel and against the Jews…or maybe just Jews who are not in Israel…?

  3. Was he complaining all the press was Jewish-owned? I don’t see that.
    Rather he raises a valid point, namely even press that IS owned by Jewish owners feels compelled to not be PRO-Israel for some reason.

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