MEDIA DRAGONS IN THE AGE OF STUPID : Bonfire of the Murdochs

“What unites us is far greater than what divides us.”

— John F. Kennedy

Secrets, sexism and hypocrisy: Bonfire of the Murdochs reveals the family’s real succession drama:

Journalist Gabriel Sherman has covered the Murdoch family for nearly two decades. In his new book, Bonfire of the Murdochs, he chronicles the protracted public battle for control the family business Bonfire of the Murdochs Gabriel Sherman talks to Janine Perrett

Henry Mance

 @henrymance.ft.com

I reviewed Gabriel Sherman's Bonfire of the Murdochs - a concise and damning account of the Murdoch family

In his astonishing bid for global media dominance, did Rupert Murdoch lose his family in the process?

Truth promises to be stranger than fiction (particularly for fans of Succession) as bestselling author and journalist Gabriel Sherman unspools the story of how one of Australia’s best-known families and their global media colossus came undone in a Reno, Nevada courtroom. It’s a blood feud Shakespearean in its telling, the likes of which would make Logan Roy blush.

Rupert Murdoch spent decades building a global media empire. But when it came time to hand over the keys, the fight for his legacy became one of the most extraordinary family battles in modern history.

Why would a father risk tearing his own family apart? What really happened behind the closed doors of a Nevada courtroom? And how did a private succession battle shape the future of one of the world’s most powerful media empires?

Vanity Fair special correspondent and bestselling author Gabriel Sherman has spent more than two decades reporting on the Murdochs. Drawing on years of reporting and more than 150 interviews, his latest book, Bonfire of the Murdochs, reveals the true story behind the headlines.

Join Sherman for a gripping conversation with Janine Perrett, unveiling the backroom deals, sibling rivalries, shocking betrayals and the high price of protecting a legacy. Think Succession — only stranger, messier and entirely real.

Bonfire of the Murdochs Gabriel Sherman talks to Janine Perrett

From impartiality in journalism and the commodification of art to fast fashion and fatwas, no topic is taboo for the Festival of Dangerous Ideas. The daring festival, presented by The Ethics Centre, returns to Sydney from August 20 to 30. It’s the 13th rendition of the festival which platforms thinkers, makers and troublemakers.

From Pussy Riot to Salman Rushdie

Past sessions remain available to stream via the official FODI On Demand platform and partner podcast

FESTIVAL OF DANGEROUS IDEAS

“Does the Trump family know what is about to hit them? The subpoenas, the investigations, the calls to testify on Capitol Hill about their investments in crypto and other deals that have enriched them while President Trump is in office?”

The Trump family businesses will be in the spotlight on Capitol Hill for the next two years