Your Say gives readers a chance to tell Crikey what they think about the stories we’ve published. Today, once again, you focus entirely on Lachlan Murdoch’s defamation suit and spell out your disgust in typical forthright fashion. For more coverage of this issue, go here.
On Lachlan Murdoch suing Crikey for defamation
Letitia Ashworth writes: Freedom of the press is one of the most significant rights in a democracy. Crikey’s articles about Donald Trump and Fox have opened up issues that we should all be concerned about and need to know about, so trying to close down access to information is the real injustice. Lachlan Murdoch should not be able to stop Crikey or any considered news analysis.
Sally Elizabeth Brown writes: I write in furious support of your decision to stand up to Lachlan Murdoch and his absurd allegations of defamation. It is a classic Australian trope that despite the constant whingeing of various politicians about the Murdochs and their sinister control of media both in Australia and overseas, Crikey — a relatively small journalistic outfit — is the one prepared to say “Enough is enough!” I wish you every success and feel that you have initiated a response to the power of the Murdochs that will create a snowball for journalistic integrity.
Ian Ferrier writes: I can’t think of a more destructive combination for real democracy than News Corp and Donald Trump. If they don’t wake up they will destroy their own empires.
Alan Ashton writes: The Murdochs minus the old mum and James are a real and present danger to democracy, not only in the US — which is heading towards another civil war — but in Australia and Britain. It shows how gutless other media organisations are that it requires Crikey to stand up to this oligarchy. Won’t it be wonderful to be attacked nightly on Sky as it twists the narrative to the poor Murdoch family being attacked by the all-powerful Crikey mob. Go well.
Jon Webster writes: You deserve a gold medal for courage in taking on the Murdochs. Good luck.
Gordon Tindall writes: I give my full support to Crikey as it battles the Murdoch-manipulating-media monster. Having closely followed the last US election and having read a diverse range of reports on the related events, I firmly believe the insurrection of January 6 2021 was openly encouraged and stoked relentlessly in December 2021 and January 2022 (and unbalanced coverage in months prior) that clearly supported and encouraged Donald Trump and the Trumpites to act as they did.
I wish you wild success in your brave stand. Thank God at last somebody has the balls to take this on. It could get lonely at times as you engage in this battle — there will be many who will fence-sit not wanting to infuriate the Murdoch media — so be prepared to lose “friends” as the battle rages.
Vic Miller writes: Crikey’s stand against the Murdoch empire could be a pivotal moment in the fight against colossal power and zero morality.
Jan Howley writes: We should never allow our media to be just a mouthpiece for all that is wrong in the world. We do this by enabling free speech. Keep up the good work.
Gillian Williamson writes: Crikey upholds independent reporting that is so important for democracy and rational thinking. Thank you for continuing to bring us truth even in the face of threats.
Judy Buss writes: Thank you for fearlessly speaking the truth, which is more than can be said of the skewed opinion journalism churned out by the Murdoch media group. Journalism was always the third pillar of an accountable democracy that shone light into dark places, thus keeping the bastards holding the power and the people’s money accountable. Journalism should be factual and truthful. Your observations of Fox News in the US are solid and truthful and everybody with a clear sight of US politics can see the links between the delusional Trump “stolen election” lie and the untruthful support provided by some Fox News presenters. I truly hope you win this righteous battle between public interest truthful reporting and a media giant tainted by the stains of political interference.
Claudia Farha writes: If Lachlan Murdoch and the empire he represents believe your comments were fabricated, let the evidence win the case. Due to Murdoch’s own involvement in the campaign for fighting fake news, the public are focused on truth telling and factual evidence. And the Australian public are very interested to see how the Murdoch outfit explains itself in court.
Lyn Coombes writes: The hypocrisy of the Murdoch press knows no bounds. While it screams freedom of the press it has no compunction about using Australia’s weak defamation laws to stifle criticism. Bernard Keane’s article pointed out the way in which Fox News perpetuated the lie that Trump had won the last US presidential election and encouraged civil disobedience and the shocking invasion of the Capitol. It is reasonable to suppose that it should bear some responsibility for the position in which the dis-United States finds itself. Customarily Australia follows US trends. I sincerely hope that with the advent of a Labor government in Canberra we can assert our own sovereignty, but to do this we need a free and fearless press. To this end Crikey and other independent organisations are doing a great job.
Martin Cobb writes: Over at Murdoch’s Fox News last week, a prime-time host agitated for civil war, saying of the FBI raid on Mar-a-Lago: “They’ve declared war on us, and now it’s game on.” But in Australia, Lachlan Murdoch seeks to prevent others drawing attention to the role Fox News played in mainstreaming the lies and conspiracies that fuelled the Capitol riots on January 6 2021. It’s OK to broadcast calls for war, apparently, but not OK to highlight who is behind the mainstreaming of those calls for war.
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.
