Rupert Murdoch's Influence on the Wall Street Journal: A Shift in Focus

Does Rupert Murdoch control the Wall Street Journal? While he may not dictate content directly, it is undeniable that under his leadership, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) has shifted its focus over the years. This shift has been highlighted by the Pew Research Center, which has analyzed the changes in the Journal's coverage.

The Transformation of the Wall Street Journal

According to a report from the Pew Research Center, under the leadership of Rupert Murdoch, the Wall Street Journal has moved away from its core mission of covering business and corporate America. This transformation is evident in the reduced front-page coverage of business topics. Specifically, front-page business coverage has declined by about one-third from what it was in 2007, the last year of the old ownership regime.

The decrease in business coverage is accompanied by an increase in other categories of news, including government news, foreign affairs involving the U.S., and lifestyle subjects. However, this is not without its downsides. The attention paid to other important areas has fallen. For example, coverage of health and medicine has been de-emphasized over the past few years. Furthermore, education issues and, ironically, the media industry have virtually disappeared from the front pages.

The Role of Rupert Murdoch in Media Ownership

Beyond the Wall Street Journal, Rupert Murdoch's influence extends to other significant media outlets, such as the New York Post (NYP). Using these distinct publications, Murdoch caters to the varying expectations of two distinct audiences: the poorly educated and the champions of crony capitalism. These two groups often walk hand-in-hand through life, and Murdoch has succeeded in covering a portion of their print materials through his various holdings.

The Editorial Quality of the Wall Street Journal

While the WSJ has shifted its focus, it is worth noting that the quality of editorials has declined in the opinion of some readers. Rupert Murdoch himself, through his control over the Journal and Barron's, has contributed to an editorial environment that some perceive as saturated with archaic ideas about life. In contrast, Barron's, which remains strictly focused on business, is seen by many as providing a more considered and thoughtful analysis of past events, in contrast to the more daily and often less nuanced coverage of the WSJ.

The influence of Rupert Murdoch on the Wall Street Journal has certainly led to a change in its priorities and focus. This shift, while having its merits, has also resulted in a reduction in certain areas that were once a hallmark of the Journal's reporting.

To learn more about Rupert Murdoch's influence on the media landscape, and the changes at the Wall Street Journal, readers are encouraged to delve deeper into the sources cited above, including the Pew Research Center's report. This research offers valuable insights into the evolution of media ownership and the changes in journalistic priorities.