In light of alleged crimes in England, should the U.S. government investigate Rupert Murdoch's companies in the U.S.?
A copy of the front and back page wrap of the last edition of the British tabloid newspaper, the News of the World. (PHOTO CREDIT: CARL COURT/AFP/Getty Images)
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
As fallout intensifies over the hacking scandal that brought down the British tabloid News of the World, the CEO of parent company News Corp., Rupert Murdoch, his son James, and former News of the World editor Rebekah Brooks have been asked to testify before Parliament next week.
And as this scandal grows, chances are Murdoch's troubles won't be contained to that side of the Atlantic. News Corp. could face investigations in the United States for possibly violating bribery laws. The U.S. watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington is calling on Congress to look into whether News of the World journalists engaged in illegal newsgathering practices in the United States.
Earlier this week, the UK paper The Daily Mirror reported claims by a former New York police officer that the News of the World offered him money to give the paper access to voice mails and phone records of 9/11 victims and their families. Just sick.
But where does this end?
The Rupert Murdoch media empire, under the News Corp. umbrella, goes far beyond tabloids in the UK. Here in this country, Murdoch owns Fox News, the Wall Street Journal and the New York Post. You have to wonder what other illegal or unethical practices journalists working for other Murdoch outlets might be engaging in.
On Sunday's "Fox News Watch" program over on the F-word network - a show devoted each week to media criticism - the panel did not discuss the British scandal on air, instead focusing on topics like the Casey Anthony trial and the ongoing sexual assault case against former IMF head Dominique Strauss-Kahn.
However, on the Fox News website, in its regular "Behind the Breaks" segment, which is essentially video shot during commercial breaks, the panel chats about "the subject we're not talking about today." And at one point hosts jokingly dare another to bring the topic up.
Not surprisingly, nobody did.
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Ken in Seattle:
It is hard to believe that the kinds of grievous criminal activities Murdoch's minions allegedly engaged in over so long a period of time could possibly be limited to Britain. He has the reputation of being a hands-on manager so one has to believe he knew what was going on. If he is amoral enough to conduct business in such a despicable manner there he must have done the same in the U.S.
David in Tampa, Florida:
Yes, Jack. Not what they print so much as how they obtain information.
R.S. in Detroit:
Every inch of Rupert Murdoch's criminal empire needs investigating. This is a powerful organization with its tentacles in everything, further corroding our political system.
Janice in Fayetteville, Arkansas:
Yes, they should start with Fox News. I do not believe it was a coincidence that their web site was hacked a few days ago with a report of President Obama's death.
Chika in South Africa:
Jack, between you and millions of us, we will want nothing more than a thorough investigation of Murdoch's so called "media empire." Question should have been: Do you think the American Government has the courage to investigate Rupert Murdoch and his companies? That guy, Murdoch, acts as if he is "untouchable."
Anne:
The Murdoch empire is corrupt. It always has been. He and his cronies don't even bother trying to hide it anymore – case in point: Fox "News." If the public doesn't demand some clarifications – through a government enquiry- then we are complicit in allowing one man's delusions of power to erode our society. News Corp has done so much damage already, we owe it to ourselves society to prevent them from doing more harm.
Dennis in Florida:
It sounds like a very good idea. I am sure that some of the middle manager types that received raises and promotions for promoting those activities in the U.K. shared the methodology with their U.S. counterparts. It's called corporate culture, and as usual it stinks.
@jackcafferty on Twitter
Of course Jack. Rupert Murdoch is the most corrupt entrepreneur in the news world. He has people who make up stories as they go alone, they rarely fact check, and they never admit to any wrong doing. Murdoch and his whole empire need to be behind bars and FAKE NEWS (aka FOX NEWS) needs to be off the air before more people are misinformed, lied to, and deceived. Any person who will stand behind someone else who is committing crimes like those in England are no true men to me.
Terrence Cain
Big Spring, Texas
Yes Jack. Not what they print so much as how they obtain information.
To avoid being caught flat footed like law enforcement in England, I suspect that U.S Law Enforce agencies are already conducting investigations into the operations of Rupert Murdoch's U.S owned companies.
I'm sure his US companies are as dirty as his English ones are, but the Republicans in Congress won't allow them to be investigated.
After all, his US media companies are really just a mouthpiece for the Republican party.
Murdoch's company should be investigating the U.S. government the way I see it. There are more crooks in the government by far than Murdoch has.Murdoch does not barrow money to give away and he does not kill his employees like the U.S. goernment does!!!!
Are you serious? The US government and Fox News have been working in collusion ever since Bush's cousin prematurely told the world that GWB was the new President when he actually wasn't. Investigate Ruppert Murdoch? You might as well initiate the Tribulation since Fox News viewers will react as such since Fox News is apparently the one news organization in the US that is so divorced from reality it has righteously stumbled upon the truth...
Investigate – no. Bring anti-trust litigation against him – yes!
A couple of questions for you Jack: What U.S.government agency would do the investigating? What would they be looking for? How would they go about it? How long would it take? The way our government works these days, Rupert Murdoch would be long gone by the time anything came of such a boondoggle.
Gary in Scottsdale, Arizona
I think it would be wise to investigate or least look into Murdoch companies here in the United States. Especially the F network which in my opinion is known to stretch and make false statements on a daily basis. They broadcast stories from a person [whose name I cannot think of right now] that goes around dressed like a pimp and edits his story in such a manner that it could be considered criminal. He even caused a good woman to lose her job and reputation because of the unethical manner he used. In my eyes I consider this criminal and it needs to be stopped.
With all that needs real fine tooth comb investigation in Washington; who, pray tell, would care about Murdoch jaywalking, except the liberals who are always on the hunt for media diversions.
In case you might have forgotten,......the U.S. government is broke and cannot afford an in-depth investigation.....how about we get Geraldo Rivera of FOX (Fair and Balanced) news right on it????
The story will air no later than the day AFTER the 2012 elections.
Yes they should.
tampa, fl no, we are too busy chasing terrorists to go after crooked politicians, crooked businesses, and illegal aliens. besides, that would slow down the economic recovery if we held criminals accountable.
It wouldn't be a bad idea. Where there's smoke there's fire.
It sounds like a very good idea. I am sure that some of the middle manager types that received raises and promotions for promoting those activities in the UK shared the methodology with their US counterparts. It’s called corporate culture, and as usual it stinks.
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No Jack they shouldn't investigate Murdock in America. It would simply be another costly worthless federal investigation and even if they did discover some impropriety nothing would be done to Murdock worthwhile anyway. Jailing an old man serves no useful purpose and any assets the government might seize would then have to be proven that the money was derived at illegally. No politician or movie start is going to admit they got caught with their knickers down just to make a case against Murdock.
The Murdoch empire is corrupt. It always has been. He and his power cronies don't even both trying to hide it anymore – case in point: fox 'news'. If the public doesn't demand some clarifications – through a government enquiry- then we are complicit in allowing one man's delusions of power erode our civil society. News Corp has done so much damage already, we owe it to ourselves and to civil society to prevent them from doing more harm. This is as serious as it gets.
I'm sure Murdoch will say it's an isolated incident. Then we'll find out there are other isolated incidents which will be referred to as a pattern The republicans defending the mother broadcast, FOX, lead by the Reilly's, Hannity's, and the Limbaugh's and the rest of them will say that's not the case.
Yes, they should start with Fox News. I do not believe it was a coincidence that their web site was hacked a few days ago with a report of President Obama's death.
Only if there is a credible allegation that the same illegal tactics were used.
Of course, his companies should be investigated. These people can do anything and everything to get publicity.
It is hard to believe that the kinds of grievous criminal activities Murdoch's minions repeatedly engaged in over so long a period of time could possibly be limited to Britain. He has the reputation of being a hands on manager so one has to believe he knew what was going on and therefore ordered it, okayed it or condoned it. If he is amoral enough to conduct business in such a despicable manner there he must have done the same in the US. Although the Republican Party is so beholding to News Corps it seems highly unlikely they would bring themselves to support an inquiry into how it does business here, nor could the Republicans be counted on to go along with any resulting penalties however justified.
Only if they have probable cause and even then only if applied to the media in general. No one believes that practices of this sort,to some degree, were limited to one paper or one media group. They were simply the ones who got caught first. That's the reason why the media at-large has not issued condemnations and ostracized Murdoch for the sins of his children. You press guys are thick as thieves.....anything you want to share with us, Jack?
When the first Murdoch Company was found involved in these crimes, it gave pause to wonder how far the involvement went. There was doubt that it went higher.
But, when each passing day finds more Murdoch Companies involved in these crimes–not only can one conclude that the criminal activity must go higher than the individual company, but one thinks that the criminal activity is at the top.
With the criminal activity being at or near the top, all the Murdoch Companies should be investigated.
Certainly!! Does crime have a priority in one country and not another.??
Sure, that would be fair and balanced.
YES! If they are not too afraid of Faux News.
Anyone that thinks Murdock wasn't fully aware of what his minions were doing In England must be totally oblivious to his overbearing, micro-managing need to control all aspects of his empire. I'm sure of two things: Murdock knew what was going on in England, and his people have been doing the same thing here in the good ol' U.S. – with his knowledge. DAMN RIGHT we need to investigate...but the GOP, being the main beneficiary, will never allow it
Oh I think they are already doing that!
Why I bet right now they are hacking into their phones .
I used to think it was our own government that was "Big Brother".It turns out it is Rupert Murdoch.How disapointing is that.Hardly worth a made for TV docudrama!
Yes!...This invasion of privacy has to stop. And if the authorities can prove that HE or any of his employees hacked into peoples phones, bank records or any other place deemed as private they should be brought up on charges and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Then the organization should be barred from doing business in the United States in any way, shape or form.
Yes, the head of fox news said"orally does not have to tell the TURTH because its only his opionwen"so fox news can not be trusted
You bet. Check out Roger Ailes and his close association with Nixon - their "plan" to have a channel on TV devoted solely to republican talking points.
Makes one wonder - Hmmmmm.
Any REAL journalists left? I haven't seen or heard from one in years.
Yes.
Where there's smoke, there is likely to be fire.
Jack,
If it's legal to do so, then the U.S. Government should investigate Rupert Murdoch's U.S. companies. I don't know where the U.S. Government would get the money to pay for the investigation, but given what's happened, allegedly, with his newspaper in England, how else can we know Murdoch's not doing the same thing here in the U.S?
YES
No Jack. Bohner and Cantor believe that all millionairs and billionairs are to be left alone since they say they create jobs. But my question is where are the jobs from the last 10 years with the tax cuts.
Leave it alone already. Haven't enough people lost their jobs? Time to move on.....
Every inch of Rupert Murdoch's criminal empire needs investigating. This is a powerful organization with it's tentacles in everything, further corroding our political system.
Detroit, MI
Absofreakinglutely, yes and start with his campaign bribes (contributions) to the politicians. Then go on to his other manipulations. Eve of Texas
Yes, especially Fox "News".
YES, Jack.
already there is suspicion they tried to "phone hack" the families of 9-11 victims and considering that many of Murdock's managers here in America first worked in England, it's reasonable to expect them to try the same sleazy tactics here.
a weasel is a weasel no matter WHAT country they are in.
Yes that would seem to be the obvious thing to do. We should also raise the debt ceiling a lot more just to cover the cost to investigate this mans companies here in the U.S. Just make sure Obama isn't
involved in any negotiatings for a plea bargain.
Our government is too busy figuring out ways to make the rich richer and destroy the middle class so that there are only 2 classes of citizens in the U.S. - the very rich and the very poor. Mr. Murdoch is one of the very rich, so naturally our government won't hold him accountable for anything. In fact, I won't be surprised if he doesn't get a taxpayer-provided subsidy on top of it all.
I would say "yes" but that would cost money that the government can ill afford to spend right now. Just give it a week or so and the investigative reporters out there will find all the juicy stuff! A trial in the court of public opinion might just be better anyway. Juries don't always get it right.
The Justice Department should wait until there is evidence of wrong doing before initiating any investigation of its own or FOX will scream, "Witch hunt!" and redouble their attacks on President Obama. In light of what happened in England I am sure the few remaining journalists who don't work for Rupert Murdoch will be sniffing around his US media empire looking for dirt.
No need to investigate. It would be a waste of time. Everybody knows that his news outlets just make them up or copy them from other sources. They don't hack, heck!, sometimes they just lie outright!
Matt A. , Miami, Fl.
All news agencies are guilty of the very same things, paying officials for information digging through trash now with modern technology hacking,
Media Matters that is run by George Soros, has a war going on with Rupert Murdoch and Fox News they're the ones slinging this mud.
So your question is should the US investigate Rupert Murdoch to be fair all news agencies need to be investigated and find out what they've been up to.
New Mexico
I think US should investigate Rupert Murdock, his newspapers are being sold right here in America. Newsweek and the Suntimes are also here. Rupert Murdoch newspapers should basically be inevstigated everywhere.
I should say so Jack. The buck stops with the guy at the top. If anyone really thinks this guy knew nothing of what was going on then they have been living on the starship enterprise. Leave no stone unturned, snakes have a habit of slipping under them.
Any smoking guns you need to tell us about, Jack? From what I heard, the cozy relationship between the press, politicians and police was part of the problem in the U.K. From I see in the U.S., those three are at each others throats on such a constant basis, it would nigh impossible for them to work together. But you never know.
Unfortunately, it's not up to me. The House of Representatives will first have to consult with the Koch brother to see whether an investigation is warrented.
The U. S. government should investigate Rupert's companies for revealing too much worthless information and themselfs for revealing too little important information.
Jack,
I think FOX News should launch an investigation of itself.
Jim
Reno, Nevada
Jack,between you and millions of us,we will want nothing more than a thorough investigation of Murdoch's so called 'media empire'. Question should have been;do you think the American Government have the 'balls' to investigate Rupert Murdoch and his companies??? That guy(Murdoch) acts as if he is 'untouchable'.
Chika Ofoma.
South Africa.
I think all his companies should be investigated, no matter where they are. His agancies claim to be, "News Orginizations," when really all they are is spin docters for Conservative Politics. FOX news is a great example. They're logo, "Fair & Balanced," should read more like, "We're so far right we're capsizing." When you claim to run honest, "unbiased," and truthful reporting, and turn the other way, you're no longer reporting news. You're just reporting propaganda and branding it as, "The Truth." And when you start doing that, like Murdoch's media empire has, you don't just hurt people, you end up hurting their country as well.
In light of alleged crimes in England, should the U.S. government investigate Rupert Murdoch's companies in the U.S.?
Of course we should Jack. we all know that the GOP illegally wiretapped Americans while GW Bush and the GOP had complete control. We know that Democrats were wiretapped that had NOTHING to do with "terrorism"..
I think that that there should also be TRUTH IN BROADCASTING laws like they have in Canada too. FREE SPEECH should be FREE TRUTHFUL SPEECH in ALL forms of media (print, radio, television including cable/satelite). Not partial, Not half, Not almost, but complete truth! No more "opinions as fact".
What will FOX NEWS do should we have Truth in Broadcasting?
Jenna
Roseville CA
Jack,
Lest' we forget the man who runs the WSJ is the same man who "whitewashed" the problems in England for Murdoch. Why would we allow another whitewash to occur here in the USA? Everything is image I hate to image what is really underneath Murdoch's empire. At least now we have a better idea why Fox News is known as Fix News.
Joe, Binghamton, NY
Yes the US Gov. should take a closer look.....he is a fine example of Why we should tax the rich a little more.....Rupert Murdoch renounced his Aussie citizenship and became a US citizen, to become a mega mogul,to take advantage of the US tax code......he is the epitome of greedy....
Well, that depends. It depends on whether an investigation would, in the event that wrongdoing is discovered, ANYTHING would be done about it. If it would be business as usual why WASTE more of the taxpayer dollars!!!
By all means, Rupert Murdoch's so-called "fair and balanced" right wing propaganda network should be checked out , too. He is one of the people responsible for the growth of talking heads with a political agenda instead of giving the public the facts and letting them decide issues for themselves. Anyone who tries to really be fair and balanced is called left wing liberal media. His entire empire is dedicated to furthering his generally extreme views and backing right wingers in the journalistic field. Where I come from that's not news.
Jack,
Definitely. Rupert Murdoch and News Corp need to be checked out thoroughly to ensure they are not doing those same practices here in the U.S. There is the First Amendment, but there is also a right to privacy that needs to be respected and if they have violated that then their First Amendment protection is void. And if they have committed crimes in relation to their actions then they need to be held accountable and prosecuted for it.
Yes. If mamagement thought it was OK to do business this way in England what's to stop them from playing the same games here in the United States. Some business practices may be uncovered that may surprise Mr. Murdoch himself.
Jack,
Given the widespread nature of this practice within the Murdoch conglomerate in the UK, I cannot believe that this practice was not: 1) unknown to Murdoch and 2) unknow within the industry as accepted practice given personnel fluidity within the field. That the press is acting as if this were some big discovery and pointing fingers to all things Murdoch suggests to me that the industry doth protest too loudly and there are such practices within all media which are accepted. I believe that within this country there should be a congressional investigation of the major news organizations to get to the bottom of this practice. I suspect many news organizations will need to be held accountable. I suspect this may even get me wired-tapped.
Integrity and moral character does not manifest themselves by sovereign borders.
If indeed Murdock lacks these elements of what it is to be an enlightened human being then indeed all that he touches will be infected.
It will be interesting to see who he has in his back pocket in the U.S.
Shouldn't without a reason, but if a criminal reason appears, then absolutely yes the US component of the Murdock empire should be investigated
In light of all of the rumors about Fox News, the misinformation that even I can attest to, the way they twist the facts by altering one or two words... Yes, they should be investigated if anyone is brave enough to do it.
The U.S. government should be investigating it's own business or rather it's inability to do anything constructive for this country regarding the soaring nation debt, wars that never should have been started, social security money stolen by the government to fund handouts to everybody and his brother instead of keeping the money safe for social security recipients, etc. etc.
Definitely. Fox News (sic) has spewed hateful propaganda, and "re-educated" the ignorant masses for way too long now. Our standards for news are in the toilet thanks to them, and the rest of our news organizations who grab on to what they say and run with it.
DUH!!!!!
Yes they should, but the probably won't, because FOX will see it as a left-wing smear campaign.
Rose
Nashville, TN
Rupert Murdoch is where the buck stops. He should be arrested, imprisoned and they should throw the key away. That he didn't know that his underlings were employing illegal tactics to win shattering headlines and increase his revenue is incomprehensible. Didn't he once question how his reporters acquired such personal information? He's in it up to his neck. His editors were under pressure to invade the privacy of the upper echelon and payed off informers including the police and confidants, tapped cell-phones and invaded their private lives to reveal all the smut possible. Fine this mogul relentlessly and provide him with two jeweled bracelets called handcuffs.
Jack, the "F" word network has already been caught "enhancing" stories by using incorrect video to make certain right wing occasions seem larger than they actually were and host have been caught in out-right lies, so in light of the happenings in England, I don't think there's any doubt that the Murdoch media empire would employ the same tactics over here in America. Oh, they would be "fair and balanced" about it, of course.
It sounds like there is already probable cause, so let the Department of Justice loose and see what they find. You can manipulate the news, but that does not mean you are above the law.
The short answer is YES. The long answer is we should investigate our senators and congressmen also. Especially Congress.
Rupert Murdock needs to be completely investigated. FOX-News pundits may scream bloody murder claiming Obama is behind it, if they even mention it at all, as witnessed last Sunday, indicating some of them may know more then they want the F-News crowd or Congress to know. Their “on air silence” spoke volumes. Rational people will know better, but how many FOX-News listeners are rational? F-News only tells their followers what they want them to know, spun to their liking, and most true followers don’t listen to anything else, obviously.
There is an old saying that "The fruit doesn't fall far from the tree". If this is going on in other countries you can bet his most powerful outlet (Fox News claim) is right up there with the rest of his enterprise. In case no one has noticed there has been little to no coverage of this on Fox News.
If Murdoch & Co. crashes and burns I couldn’t be happier. But what difference would it make? The NSA, FBI, CIA and who knows what other agencies are illegally tapping into our verbal, written and electronic communications with impunity, not to mention all the other crooks. It would be like trying to stop a flood with a couple of sand bags.
Yes, unless, like in England, Murdock is actually paying those in positions of access and authority...
Investigated by whom? Eric Holder? You can't for a second that Boehner, Kantor, Mc Connell or the great Darrell Issa. Or any member of the Koch Party would even consider investigating their, off the record, and on the soon to be on the record boss at FOX"News", do you? The money that Rupert dishes out for the spread of lies is just too good to pass up. Look at what he hires to speak the other side of the truth now......
If they don't we'll then know just exactly how corrupt the government has become....I think it is funny Republicans don't want the investigation...duhhhh
What? Investigare Murcoch, the King of Fox? You'd have every republican from that moron Limbaugh to Palin herownself down on you. I am surprised at you, Jack. Violate that Aussie's American right to free speech?
Yes, and if they don't you can rest assure that palms have been greased. Maybe finally somebody will shine a honest light on fox and expose them for what they are, or should I say what their not, you know a ligament news organization. The only problem I see is having crooks investigate crooks, will we be able to believe anything that would come out of this investigation.
Dave from Peterborough, NH.
Yes they should be investigated here in the states.. if they screwed up over there, they are gonna screw up here..Get rid of all those trashy papers..
Cindy
Muscotah, Kansas
Of course his media holdings in the US should be scrutinized. One might infer complicity when Mr. Murdock fires everyone at the "News of the World." So if any person alleges complicity by Mr. Murdock, as a defense, they can be called "disgruntled" former employees. Of course, upon arrival in London he takes his senior editor out to eat so a strategy might be discussed. It seems clear that the FBI would not have to look too closely at his holdings in the US to justify a full investigation. By the way, I have not seen the same coverage of this scandal on "Fox News" as it has been reported on other Media outlets.
Naturally as precaution. If Murdoch's papers are beeing unethical on the other side of the Atlanitc, Heaven only knows what's is happening on our side.
Of course the government should investigate Murdoch, but the right-wing echo-chamber, Fox News, Limbaugh et al, know what their lemmings, I mean listeners, want to hear: the government is evil, taxes are a communist invention, universal health-care will kill grandma and that Murdoch is just an honest business man trying to earn a living for the family he loves. The government will always lose the argument against the right-wing echo chamber, because the echo-chamber does not lose focus and they know the American public has the attention span of a gnat.
Jack ,
What they need to do is to re-introduce the Fairness Doctrine that until 1987 required the holders of broadcast licenses to present both sides of controversial issues of public importance. Faced with an alternative viewpoint, the one-note parrots at Fox News would dry up and blow away.
In America, Fair and Balanced should be law and not just a slogan.
Jack Rupert Murdoch Should Be Arrested And Investigated Plain And Simple For Putting The United Kingdom And The United States At Risk! Murdoch's Actions Are Disgusting And Appalling!
Scott Stodden (Freeport, Illinois)
More important than investigating is ensuring that the assets of these companies are available to satisfy legal judgments in the UK against the Murdoch companies.
Absolutely. Did you notice how FOX News was the only network to cover Tea Party events? What is the link between FOX, the rich, big business, and the Republican Party? And what threat does this pose for free speech, democracy, and a possible dictatorship of the right? It scares me. I do not like to watch news when I know I am not being told the truth and there is a purpose to it.
In Chicago for the longest time the largest newspaper also own the local TV stataion and they own the Chicago Cubs. Talk about misinformation. The local TV station than had a Drunk give the play by play The CIA could not have done better. Rupert Murdoch owns the Wall Street Journal the largest business newspaper in the country ,along with Fox news,he does not own a baseball team yet. Maybe he should buy the Cubs.
YES....is Fox News even covering this?
In light of the appallingly bad record Fox news has on fact checking, skewing the facts, or ignoring them completely I think an investigation is absolutely necessary. You don't get that much wrong by accident.
The cows are out of the barn Jack, don't close the door now. Murdock has shot himself in the foot, and business my be pretty slow for his publications from now on.
always slanted and biased, most definitely they need to be investigated
Under normal circumstances, Jack, yes – However, let's use the money we would have spent in an investigation and put it toward job creation or paying down thenational debt. Money better spent.
Absolutely an investigation should be done – Murdoch and his empire received $4.8 BILLION dollars in U.S. tax refunds!!!
Absolutely. What amazes me about this is that it doesn't go over the usual liberal vs. conservative conversations. This is blatant invasion of privacy and breaking of the law. If this has been going on in the UK, there's a very good chance that it's been going on here in the US. Not matter what happens, I do think that it's going to create a major dent in Murdoch's empire. A shame it took this long.
Yes, news corps operation should be under the scrutiny of the FCC, any and all violations should be prosecuted in a fair and balanced way.
Oh sure they should .......they are not doing anything else right now .
Yes, this creep has taken over so much of our media that's it's truly scary. No one should have as much media control as the Murdochs do. They're unethical even without this latest scandel. We've heard enough of their right-wing fear-mongering & constant lying. Put them out of business!! They're destroying our country.
Yes they should investigate! Fox is anything but fare and balanced!
I say they should investigate. I don't think murdock said lets break the law only in england to get an edge on the competition. Who's to say rep weiner wasn't really hacked by the right leaning murdock people to get rid of him.
Without a doubt, the U.S. authorities should investigate all of Murdoch's empire here. Our society is being laid waste by the half-truths and bald-faced lies which Fox News broadcasts. It's time to look in the closet and face the monster head-on.
Jack, If the US Government can't get the Wall Street Fat Cats in Jail, why should we ever expect them to do anything to the media fat cat Murdoch?
Jack,
No. The free market should be allowed to weed out corrupt companies.
Besides, the government doesn't have any money, and taxpayers don't have enough influence to throw good money after bad.
The part about the panel sitting there daring each other to talk about it, says it all. Hilarious.
YES, Jack, they should be investigated. In fact FauxNews should have been investigated and shut down years ago as well.
Stephen
Yarmouth, NS Canada
Put simply, no. Maybe if Congress and the White House could get a darn budget and deficit plan in place before we lose Social Security and the Pell Grant, we could focus on other issues such as this.
Where there is smoke there is....news
Yes, Murdoch should be investigated and if found to have broken laws, he should be deported for poor moral character, just like every other criminal.
Wow, is this overdue!!! Fox News is a propaganda machine for Milton Friedman economics all over the world, and feeds lies, distortions, and twisted news (sometimes from the mouths of overtly crazy anchors). This type of "news" is a disservice to every American and I feel so sorry for the dupes who faithfully watch and believe the tripe on that network when the truth does come out, finally.
There is no such thing as half a crook.
Absolutely. Faux 'n' Friends of a feather most assuredly do heinous things together. ( Fox has always smelled foul to me anyways).
I got so excited when I heard this news that I posted this promise on my Facebook page:
If Rupert's damage is soooo absolute that FoxNews ceases to exist, -I- -Will- -Donate- -My- -Firebird- -To- -Charity-!!!!!!
And that is a promise I would LUUUUV to fulfill
Now that you have newscorp in U.S. convicted, let's have a trial.
Let's investigate first, and find probable cause later.
I thought the witch trials were bad!!!!
Despite the fact this Murdor-gate is huge and being covered by all the media, I have not seen a single mention of this on Fox News since the news broke out last week. All the Fox personnel must have gotten "the memo". Hypocrisy at its very worst! I hope they go down the toilet as the waste that they are.
If there is evidence of a scandal here in the U.S. then yes by all means investigate. If there is no evidence, or evidence that is not credible then no. The police state needs to end, and the violation of individual rights need not expand any further. Do I think there is a chance the same practices took place here? Sure, but we also have many other opinions that should not be persued simply to protect individual rights. Remember people innocent til proven guilty. End the Police state, stop illegal practices!!!!
Dale- Eddystone, Pa
ABSOLUTELY! Anyone with more than two brain cells knows that Fox is no "news organization." It is a privately funded attempt to control the political discourse of our country. When Murdoch acquired The Wall Street Journal, was it any surprise that the leaders of the Editorial team resigned? It's when I dropped my subscription.
Yes, of course. The credibilty of every one of Murdoch's companies is called into question, and the fact that they hacked into 9/11 victims phones is utterly disgusting. The government has every right to look into News Corp in light of whats going on overseas. If they don't find anything, then theres no harm no foul, but if there is evidence of wrong-doing then the government should take action, like its supposed to.
Yes. They need to be investigated and jailed if possible.
Then, if Congress had a backbone, a decent backbone, they'd break them and all of the other media conglomerates up and have a more hands on approach when it comes to the FCC regulating our news and what they do.
Absolutely there should be an investigation. I have been wondering why all the incorrect "facts" put out as truth are always being put forth on Fox News. It is long overdue for an investigation.
Yes, the government should absolutely look into Murdock's U.S. companies.
A good analogy might be if a person was found of filing tax fraud in 2010, you can bet that the government would investigate that person's tax returns from other years also. In Murdock's predicament, the smoke does mean fire.
Why wait for the government? Let's just all turn off the Fox channel and let the free market economy take care of it.
We always new Murdock was tabloid journalist at best a criminal at least
but still the cons suck it up,to bad we can't cure stupid.
Don't investigate if we are not ready to take action after the results are made public.
of course! with the notoriety fox news has to just LIE, let alone slant the news, i believe we should definitely launch an investigation of Murdoch's U.S. based divisions. If they did it in England, i find it hard to believe that the same would not take place in the U.S. of all places.
Absolutely! Ignorance abounds when it comes to Rupert. If we
had any idea of his absolute influence, it would scare us to death.
Remenber, this is the guy who said that Hitler was just an over-
zealous patriot.
Yes ,Fair and Balanced is about as crazy as bedbug in a mattress. They are not a news organizaion but a propaganda T.V. station for lies and hacking . Maybe some one will find out how rotten they are and shut them down.Or better yet put them in jail.
Richard In Ohio
I certainly hope they do. What worries me the most about the hacking scandal is that politicians were too scared to act. Once your willing to admit that Murdoch properties such as Fox News do everything they can to influence elections, then you start to wonder what else they're up to.
Murdoch wrote the Patriot Act. This indicates that he knew about the techniques being employed by his gang of journalists. He knows enough about it to write it into law on this side of the Atlantic. The question is did his employees in the US overstep their rights within the protections provided them by the Patriot Act. The other indication is that the Patriot Act allows for extreme privacy violations that are potentially criminal in other countries.
Yes absolutely, If alleged illegal activities occured in the UK, then it would be prudent to check holdings of Rupert Murdoch in ALL countries where he conducts business.
Heck YES!...Since when does crime in another part of the world, not happen here? It's only of a matter of time before Murdoch's empire gets it's just desserts.
Yes they SHOULD be investigated on this side of the right pond BUT not neccessarily for hacking & harvesting information but rather for the PERSISTENT & DECEPTIVE use of the moniker "Fair & Balanced" on Fox News because as you know, Fox News is ANYTHING BUT "Fair & Balanced"
In fact, their hosts get more airtime in quotation on the progressive network than ANYBODY except talk radio hosts
So much for their so-called "Fair & Balanced" claim !!!!!
What we need is an old fashion revolt. Take back America!
Jack,
Probe one, probe all. Probe EVERY cable news station, especially Fox, CNN, and MSNBC.
-Matt
Of course Murdoch should be investigated . If he's a crook in England he's a crook here. Does anyone other than the blind followers of the Murdoch propaganda machine really believe that he has more respect for The United States than England ?
yes Jack, absolutely. Fox news is nothing more than a mouthpiece for the republican party and this party has a history of dirty politics. we would probably be astounded at what we'd find out.
Like former President Nixon said after he was forced out of office, " I gave my enemy a sword and they used it on me". It's going to be expected the liberal media is going to use this story to savage Murdoch and his Fox empire.
Mordoch's news companies in the U.S. should most definitely be investigated! Poisoning the news process is just as serious as poisoning dairy products. Our right to privacy is as precious to Americans as our nutritional health.
Yes,Rupert Murdoch,his son James and the corporation should be investigated by U.S. authorities.If they do that in Great Britain they are for sure doing it in the United States and our lawmakers can't just look the other way no matter if it is Fox,ABC,NBC or other media outlets.All journalists should be ethical like the great Walter Cronkite who had his personal view on matter but would get a story ethically and in a responsible way.
Bill-Las Vegas
YES! We can melt the rest of the Murdock "iceberg"!! Love you, Mary Lynn, San Diego, CA
Yes, the U.S. Justice Department should investigate Rupert Murdoch's companies in the U.S. Why? Because there is apparently an established pattern of criminal behavior to warrant an investigation. Think about it: Murdoch owns Fox News and the Wall Street Journal.
YES, Fox "Fixed" news has always been shady. TIME TO SNIFF THEM OUT! Who will believe Murdoch's tactics were designed only for the UK? This is a serious wake up call for U.S. citizens with impeccable timing!!! INVESTIGATE FOX NOW!
It's a good bet that FOX News is in this mess up to their eyeballs........Look what happened in England...it's their "Business Model "........RES IPSA LOQUITUR...................
Of course. Privacy and fair minded journalism are issues that should definitely be protected.
Absolutely, it is about time Rupert Murdoch and all his tentacles that control the media are investigated. It is time the amnerican public knows who is leading the right wing by the nose, also how and why they are manipulated. This man is immensely powerful and mostly flies under the radar.
Why ?
That would be like asking the fox watch the hen house, besides you would be better off asking the Orlando PD.
Of course. Actually, not only US government needs to investigate on Rupert Murdoch and CNN should in check into your own server as you have appeared to be Rupert's primary target to nail on....I would citing Rupert Murdoch on Murderer of Human Rights and shut down all his media so to conduct full investigation.
Fox News should be out of business this time...
Something should be done to ensure that these practices aren't being put into place at respected journalistic outlets here in the US. Yes people have their opinions of the F-word network but that aside here in the United States people trust the reporting being done by the Wall Street Journal and it would be shameful to find out that what had been done at News of the World was common practice at every media outlet owned by Murdoch. I would hate to see him shut down the Wall Street Journal just to run away from the problem.
Murdoch's own employees on that other network are refusing to acknowledge an issue exists within the house he built. However, I would not be surprised if Murdoch himself told the F-word network to not report on the incidents in England at News of the World. It would not surprise me in the least if he is running away from things and hiding behind his American held news outlets, especially the F-word network and its hold on the conservative people in this nation.
Christine K.
Joliet, IL
Fox News can hardly be considered a reliable news source. Rupert Murdoch only allows his opinions to be broadcast. Cnn tapesFox News reporters at a Tea Party Rally trying to incite the people to riot and cause violence. The response from Fox was to reprimand those reporters (so they say). Fox news only broadcast the opinions of Rupert Murdoch, who obviously has no scruples. The may invite a liberal on their show, but they precede to "shout them down". Investigate Fox News......get them off the air!!!!!!!
Certainly, his US media properties should be investigated. He owns three very powerful 'news' organizations. Each of which have had to retract or quasi-apologize for false or misleading stories, stories that have caused great harm (i.e. Planned Parenthood false report). If any media outlet is biased in this country it would be a Murdoch property, he admits his conservative bias and makes no bones how he wants his properties to lean. All news groups make errors, its hard to avoid when people are involved, but where CBS fires people, FOXNews (sic) issued a semi-apology, retraction in an obscure, veiled manner. If they just OFFERED bribes, etc., to obtain sensitive material they need to be censored, fined...
Yes, they should be examined, as the abuses appear to have been systemic. Now, if only there existed some type of public entity whose job it was to dig into matters of this type...
I suppose in the meantime we'll have to make do with polite television anchors asking us whether or not "someone out there" ought to start investigating.
Is the Pope Catholic?
Absolutely, Jack, The power this man has already what purpose would he have to hacking diplomats or anyone for that matter. That maybe how he developed his empire, with secret information. Blackmail, corruption, and invasion of privacy
Yes, Mr. murdock should be investigated along with the "F" word so called news system. Murdock is going to be shown to be nothing but a Crime Boss, running various crime syndicates thru out the world, this is going to be bigger than the Mafia boss's ever were . The No Spin
Zone is about to run amuck.
Could it be possible that FAUX news could go out of business, too?
There should be no investigative limitations involving all of News Corps. US companies,including their affliates.
Yes, we should! We can melt the rest of the Murdock "ice berg"! Mary Lynn, San Diego CA
Especially fox propaganda news. Yes indeed
It is absolutly criminal what happened to the parents of that young girl murdered. Upon hearing of the newspapers owner and his decision to shut it all down, I began wonder how great it would be to hear the BEST "News of and in the World."
The end of FOX News!
Fix news has the same owners. The WSJ and NYPost also have the same owners. Their business practices are the same world wide. There is no way any of Murdoch's other media outlets would not do his bidding. Are we to believe his m.o. is different here? Can a platypus change it's spots? It's about time Karma comes back to get these media hacks.
Two other papers in England are now being investigated inc the Guardian.
So should ALL tabloid papers be investigated.
Joan B
Wi
The scandal reminds us of the distinction between journalism and reality tv disguised as news. It also is a reminder to CNN to step up to the challenge to set a new standard for tv journalism and fulfill its commitment to be a 24 hour news network – a real news network.
Yes, Yes, Yes....Murdoch should and MUST be investigated for crimes here in the USA....Down with this corrupt, lying news corporation! FAUX news first.
Yes. Maybe we might unearth something that the real journalists who are left can sink their teeth into. Ah – for another runaway investigation ala Watergate.
Tell you what Jack………not gonna lose any sleep over it, one way or the other. We have more important issues to be concerned about…..like illegal immigration.
The question itself is a no brainer Jack; of course this should be investigated. God knows what else this megalomaniac Murdoch has been up to in his world wide crusade to shove his extremist ideaology down the throats of people around the world. He is perhaps the worst example of how too much power in anyone`s hands can be so scary and dangerous. The right wing conservative movement in the U.S. has used FOX news as a propaganda tool for years now; and still the American public does not seem to grasp how fanatical such a man can be; and the damage that England is only now realizing can occur from having one man control mass media worldwide. The question really is; does anyone have the guts to stop him?!
News Corp.s' behavior is reprehensible. The U.S. as well as all countries that allow his scandal rags to be sold should launch in-depth investigations to discover just how many felonies have been committed by Murdoch's goons. Let's see just how 'fair and balanced' their operation really is, especially in America.
If Murdock has paid to tap our people's phone, everything he owns need to be investigated and then bill Murdock for the investigation and all that he owns.
Congress should be investigated for taking money from Murdoch.
Rupert Murdoch put all the executives in place worldwide who have shredded the reputations of many fine people. While he will undoubtedly protest that he knew nothing of their horrible activities, he set them in motion and should be held accountable.
Jack, yes I believe most definitly he need to be investigated in every media outlet he has, and instead of there slogan saying Fair and Balance it should say Hide and Seek,that's the only way Fox will say anything about there boss.
I am glad this guy have a lot of money and look at the people he gets to work for him,he has these type of people in LONDON and don,t forget the one,s he has at FOX NEWS they all need to be look at they hide behind the freedom of speech rights,its nice we have it but FOX NEWS takes it a little to far and I am sure MURDOCH knew all that was going on,he is the owner and he needs to stop he feels he has money and power and should be able to do what he wants and that should,nt be the case bring him down he does,nt know how to used the rights that we all have.
Murdoch and company should not break the law...however this administration is the sworn enemy of
Fox, and by extension..Murdoch, as is Media Matters er al...So they are not qualified to investigate. w e would need to ivestigate the inestigators
Absolutely. I believe that Murdoch and his American news agencies are buying American politicians and being allowed to by the supreme court judges that were also bought.
Rupert Murdoch has always blurred the lines of what is ethical reporting, sensationalism, and pure bias. I feel he should be investigated, he hasn't a shred of decency and it is highly likely that these charges of bribery and corruption have merit.
I wonder who will be the first conservative politician to yell fowl.
Of course! More importantly, I think the whole structure of entertainment-based mega-corporations owning news services needs to be investigated as it has compromised the integrity and fundamental function of the press as a whole. Our news sources have been so corrupted by an underlying objective to protect and often promote/market, direct and peripheral interests associated with the ownership group(s) of the various news services, and that needs to end. Otherwise we are stuck with forming opinions and even making decisions on half truths, distortions, or just incomplete information.
Yes!!!I definately think Murdock should be investigated. He has practically bought up the Major Newpapers and and network in America. He ownes The New York Times, The New York Post. The Wall Street Jornal, Dow Jones, Direct TV, TV Guide, acquired 20th Century Fox and created Fox News. Fair and Balanced when one man control the entity that controls the world's money flow and also has the power to cut off free speach--I think not. Such a conflict of interest and this is just his his reach in this country!
Murdoch should have been investigated a long time ago.
Unfortunetly were there is smoke there is fire, if Murdochs news organization is doing it in Great Britain then it is conclusively Obvious that it is happening here in the United States of America. If we do not investigate, then shame on us for allowing this unethical behavior to continue.
All tabloids should be investigagted.
The Cable Shows such as Bill O'relly, etc., which I just checked the ratings, have viewes 4-5 times higher than CNN, HLN, MSNBC. MSNBC is considerred the most dishonest of them al and have almost no viewers as a result l....we check the facts even though we are from generations of Dems.
TRUTH MATTERS GUYS.
Bad guys everywhere.
James Jackson
Nevada
Eight companies control 80% of news. How will the republican party get their faux message out?
Having grown up in england i have seen murdocks actions since i was a child, from introducing pornography to the mainstream media (The Sun page 3), to his papers lies about the dead and those who tried to help (hillsborough disaster) his papers and sky (now bskyb) have stooped ever lower for information and to sell papers and keep his media empire going.
He gave up his citizenship to own 20th century fox, bought and manipulated his position of monopoly over sports leagues and now his offspring has surpassed his actions in paying off people to stop investigations into hacking, bribing police officers and now linked to hacking murder victims, terrorist victims and even prime ministers/chansellors, to think he hasnt crossed lines here would be ignorant.
Its leads questions to why so many republican potential leaders work/worker for him and why he gets so much 'HELP' when they get into power (Bush, Bush jr)
To not investigate his corporation here is to allow him even longer to abuse the rights of americans and their representatives.
The truth will weed them out as the viewers will watch and read only those that are truthful. Look at what has happened to New York Times and Wash Post for viewers? How about MSNBC viewers? There are virtually none.
Meghan Jones
Michigan
It always comes down to lets investigate " Fox News" people over here must be smoking something..
You think Murdock's corruption is confined to the UK? All you have to do is watch FOX for 5 minutes and see it is nothing but a hate, lies, and racist mouthpiece of the Republican Party. It is NOT news and should not be allowed legally to call itself "news". It is slander, misinformation, and tabloid junk.
What!!! No more FOX News? What will Jon Stewart do?
Ronald Reagan changed freedom of the press to freedom for the press to tell any lie, misinform in any way, and use the media as an agenda driven machine devoid of anything remotely factual. Out of this land fill of garbage emerged the pile of trash known as Murdoch
Jack,
The editorial policies of Murdoch's News Corp does not include: truth but rather a bent to radical right propaganda. He does know how to appeal the emotions of hate and anger which are profitable in today's U. S. A.
"Pay NO attention to the man behind the curtain"... Just continue to watch the show !