C/MD/40. Newspapers and Editorial Control

The paper looks at how editors of various newspapers in the UK are influenced by the proprietors of these newspapers. Rupert Murdoch's influence on the newspapers is assessed giving examples of his attempts to wield authority over editors. The causes of the problem are debated with reference to modern sociological theories. The consumers of tabloids are regarded as particularly susceptible to the control of editors by newspaper owners. It is concluded that proprietors exert too much control over editors and that this does not bode well for the future of democracy.