INSIDE Trump’s Oligarchs’ DESTRUCTION of the FREE PRESS

Rupert Murdoch's upbringing, characterized by a distant father and a mother who taught him to swim by throwing him into a pool, instilled a 'no one is coming to save you' mentality. This 'Hobbesian' worldview shaped his aggressive, survival-driven approach to business and his willingness to do 'whatever you have to do to survive,' laying the foundation for his later ruthless tactics.

Gabriel Sherman recounts Murdoch's father's disinterest and his mother's swimming lesson, which Murdoch later described as a 'terrifying example' of learning self-reliance.

Murdoch was a revolutionary business figure who, in the 1950s and 60s, pioneered the strategy of taking on significant debt to acquire media companies. He used the cash flow from existing newspapers to secure bank loans, rapidly building his empire on a 'mountain of debt' at a time when such leveraged expansion was considered unconventional and risky.

Sherman explains that Murdoch 'used the cash flow from his newspaper in Adelaide to then take out bank loans to buy other media companies' and 'built this company on a mountain of debt.'

A consistent theme in Murdoch's career is his pattern of making and then breaking promises, particularly regarding editorial independence. He would offer assurances to secure deals or recruit talent, only to later meddle directly in newsrooms, dictate headlines, and pressure editors to align with his political or business agenda, as seen with his treatment of legendary editor Harry Evans.

Murdoch promised Harry Evans 'hands-off' ownership of the London Times, codified in law, but within weeks began 'suggesting right-wing headlines, telling him to go easy on Margaret Thatcher,' ultimately forcing Evans out.

While often associated with right-wing politics, Murdoch's primary ideology is capitalism. He views politicians as instruments to advance his business interests, supporting leaders across the political spectrum (e.g., Thatcher, Reagan, Blair, Clinton) who are willing to grant regulatory favors or create a favorable business environment for his media empire. His loyalty is conditional on their utility to his goals.

Sherman states, 'Murdoch's I think his his the bigger ideology that Murdoch ascribes to is capitalism more than conservatism.' He cites Murdoch switching allegiances to Tony Blair in the mid-90s because 'he wanted the good graces of the British government to pass regulation.'

Murdoch cultivated a relationship with New York media pillar Clay Felker, who helped him acquire the New York Post. However, when Felker confided in Murdoch about financial struggles with New York Magazine's board, Murdoch exploited the situation, going behind Felker's back to acquire the magazine himself, demonstrating his opportunistic and disloyal nature.

Sherman details how Murdoch 'used Clay's offer, Clay's favor... instead of giving Clay advice, Rupert went behind his back and stole New York magazine out from under him.'