Your Say gives readers a chance to tell Crikey what they think about the stories we’ve published. Today you focus entirely on Lachlan Murdoch and his (now-carried-through) threats to sue us for defamation — as well as our response.
On the Lachlan Murdoch letters
John W Plummer writes: I believe that as a media organisation it is not only your right but your duty to shed light on events of public interest. This must rightfully include your own facts and opinions regarding the behaviour of other members of the media who, in turn, have the right to criticise you. It is not defamation to seek the truth or enlighten the public to facts or circumstances — particularly when it is of compelling public interest in a free democracy.
James Vicars writes: I congratulate you on your publication of the correspondence in which Lachlan Murdoch plays the victim to your supposed defamation of him. It is essential that the way this family plays the game of power is brought to light. The Murdoch media are seeking to subjugate Crikey, just as they seek to subjugate any other discussion of their role in shaping political power. If their true role was widely revealed it would show that the Australia we live in today is one created by Rupert Murdoch.
He has, for example, influenced every election in Australia since Menzies. What he thinks is important, his media make important. The reach and scale of the Murdoch media has subverted our democracy. Its repetition and volume drown out other voices and ideas. It is no surprise that “the big lie” is so threatening to undo the US because the lie is repeated and supported covertly and overtly in the mass media space by Murdoch’s Fox et al.
The Murdoch media seek to be a law unto themselves, which is most effective when they are not the subject of the discussion and their machinations are not exposed as such. There is almost no way they can be held accountable. This is why it is vital that you continue to expose them. More power to your arm.
Stuart Godfrey writes: I read your articles and was delighted to learn that so many US news companies are calling out the Murdoch press. My daily reading of Daily Kos (a US left-wing news source) shows me that the words “civil war” are coming up frequently. I believe there is an all-too-real likelihood that this will happen. I deeply admire your courage in taking on Lachlan Murdoch, and I am also deeply grateful because by doing this, you will — regardless of the result — reduce the likelihood of civil war.
Tim Stephens writes: Go Crikey. I wish you the best in this fight for freedom and democracy. I hope this plays out in public so the rest of Australia — and indeed the world — gets to see the Murdoch media for what they are. While the laws regarding free speech and defamation or libel differ from country to country, no free democracy should fear being held accountable to their constituents, the citizens and the voters. A diverse and disciplined media is essential to this endeavour. As The Washington Post’s slogan says: “Democracy dies in darkness.” So I support your defence of your reporting and editorial opinions, and admire your integrity in wholeheartedly defending them against aggressive and unnecessary litigation.
Sandra Greacen writes: As an older Australian citizen with limited finances I have chosen to be a Crikey subscriber because of its ethical and true reporting on subjects that should concern our society. At no time could your article have been construed by any reasonable, sane Australian to refer to “Lachlan” Murdoch. When the “Murdoch” name is used, “Rupert” is who most people would assume the reference is about.
The Murdoch media’s control of so much of what passes as news in this country disgusts me. I have read newspapers for most of my life and have always wanted to be well informed, but much of what now passes as newspapers in this country — particularly The Daily Telegraph in Sydney — is only fit for wrapping the rubbish.
Nola Randall writes: Congratulations for taking on Murdoch. It’s time he was censured and he should definitely stop interfering in Australian media and life.
Bill Slater writes: Thank you for standing with truth first and foremost — but also for press freedom. Here in the US we see daily incitement to violence on Fox News, most egregiously by Tucker Carlson whose racist rants about “replacement theory” have aided and abetted hate across a wide swathe of America. The Fox “hate machine” places a fragile world at risk. And for what? Profit.
Athena Lagos writes: To all at Crikey: your decision to publicly stand up to Murdoch’s threats is important, courageous, bold and oh so beautiful.
Bernard Stever writes: It’s interesting to see how Lachlan could be so offended or alarmed about what a comparatively minuscule media company prints, especially when, on the surface at least, such an action in the US would fall foul of its freedom of speech laws. It seems a tad petulant to launch action here. And it seems strategically flawed too. It opens up a Pandora’s box for the independent media universe. Now the case is going ahead I’m imagining any number of friendly fire casualties among the Murdoch side at the political, corporate and ladies-who-lunch set. I’d expect that it would place any number of movers and shakers in an awkward position. Then there’s the issue of possible inquiries into the Murdoch group as suggested by Kevin Rudd, Malcolm Turnbull and others. Any defamation case would provide grist to that mill also. Murdoch may want to pause and consider the classic old bull v young bull story. Go Crikey!
Bill Sanders writes: Go get him, Crikey! Standing with you in solidarity.
If something in Crikey has pleased, annoyed or inspired you, let us know by writing to letters@crikey.com.au. Please include your full name to be considered for publication. We reserve the right to edit for length and clarity.
