Title: The Fall: A Book Exposing the Murdoch Dynasty’s Relationship with Trump
Introduction:
In a recent book titled “The Fall: The End of Fox News and the Murdoch Dynasty,” author Michael Wolff explores Rupert Murdoch‘s relationship with former President Donald Trump and sheds light on the internal workings of Fox News. The book also delves into the late Roger Ailes’s views on Trump and the personalities at Fox News. With vivid anecdotes and contentious claims, Wolff presents a revealing account of the behind-the-scenes dynamics at Fox News and the Murdoch family.
Murdoch’s Evolving Relationship with Trump:
Wolff’s book emphasizes the strained relationship between Rupert Murdoch and Donald Trump. Despite Murdoch’s instrumental role in Trump’s rise to power, Wolff alleges that Murdoch frequently expressed a desire for Trump’s demise. Wolff quotes Murdoch questioning Trump’s physical and mental health, suggesting that the media mogul harbored animosity towards the former president. However, Wolff also acknowledges that Murdoch’s financial interests prevented him from taking any actions that would jeopardize his media empire.
Fox News’ Relationship with Trump:
Wolff highlights the symbiotic relationship between Fox News and Trump, which endured for the sake of ratings and financial gain. While Fox News often exalted Trump, Wolff contends that the network tolerated his divisive rhetoric and misinformation to attract viewers. The book delves into a defamation lawsuit filed by Dominion Voting Systems against Fox News, stemming from Trump’s baseless claims of election fraud. While the lawsuit resulted in a significant settlement, Wolff suggests that financial considerations guided Murdoch’s decision-making throughout the ordeal.
Ailes’s Candid Opinions:
Wolff’s book also provides insight into the late Roger Ailes’s opinions on Trump. Ailes, a friend of Trump and client of Rudy Giuliani, expressed skepticism regarding Trump’s chances of winning the presidency in 2016. Ailes criticized Trump’s views on abortion and gun control, calling him an “ignorant” and “incompetent” individual. These views echo those of Steve Bannon, who later became Trump’s campaign chair and White House strategist.
Fox News Personalities:
Wolff paints a mixed picture of Fox News personalities. Sean Hannity, a primetime star at the network, is described as having a close relationship with Ailes, who allegedly referred to him as a “crack-pot.” Ingraham, another prominent primetime host, is depicted as lacking a clear conservative identity and instead attempting to curry favor with Murdoch by promoting Ron DeSantis as an alternative to Trump. These dynamics within the network highlight the complexities and power struggles among its high-profile hosts.
The Future of Fox News:
As the 2022 election approaches, Fox News finds itself in a precarious position. The network continues to sponsor Republican debates, despite Trump’s boycott. However, the fallout from the Dominion lawsuit and the departure of key figures such as Tucker Carlson has left Fox News navigating uncertain territory. The Murdochs face the challenge of maintaining their media empire’s influence while also adapting to changing political landscapes.
Conclusion:
“The Fall: The End of Fox News and the Murdoch Dynasty” offers a captivating glimpse into the inner workings of Fox News and the complex relationships between its key figures, including Rupert Murdoch, Donald Trump, and Roger Ailes. Wolff’s exposé raises questions about the intersection of media, politics, and personal motivations. As the 2022 election approaches, the future of Fox News remains uncertain, and the Murdochs face significant challenges in maintaining their influence in American media.
Original Story at www.theguardian.com – 2023-10-01 06:52:00
