ybrao-a-donkey's comments
1. If Murdoch behaves like a real investor of true Capitalistic spirit: He will demand 200% or 500% (any percentage is too inadequate) increase in circulation and profits. Profitability and editorial integrity do not go hand in hand. Only one can be chosen. The idea of a balance between profitability and free press is a myth. The Capitalist realities step in. The entire activity of today's publishing is commercial. Editors whose convictions are malleable in tune with commercial considerations will stay in the industry. Others will leave.2. If Murdoch has his own ideals and messages which he wants to spread in the world. Then there should first be an integration between the "convictions" of Murdoch and the convictions of the editors. As long as there is harmony between the two, the editorial integrity will be in tact. If there is a conflict, the editors will have to leave. It will be unpleasant for them, but then it is a Capitalist reality. The employees have to conform to the owners' convictions or leave. Expecting business Tycoons and Emperors to have their own messages and missions for spreading all over the world, is Utopian.
Thus, any assurance of continuation of editorial integrity after change of ownership will only be a lullaby.
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