National and Minnesota Report

America was not as divided of a nation before the inception of Fox News, and as it was said by Bill Murray in Stripes in 1982, “That’s a fact, Jack.” Comments by President Joe Biden (D) recently revealed his description of Rupert Murdoch as “the most dangerous man in the world” echo the concerns of level-headed Americans everywhere. Fox News and the rest of Murdoch’s “news” properties have stoked political division and given a mouthpiece to those trafficking in disinformation. These are merely propaganda tools for the red meat consuming Republican right.

The existence of this style off media, only seeks to sow the seeds of discontent, never offering solution, providing no answers to our world, nation, state or our communities problem. The hosts, commentators and guests, merely stoke the fires of hatred, conflict and derision. Its an industry of anti-Americanism, and the insurrectionists storming of the national Capitol on January 6th is a direct result of it.

Despite the corrosion that NewsCorp, yes, it is reminiscent of Skynet in the Terminator, has wreaked havoc on our political system, they continue to make their way into the mainstream legislative process. Just this week they served on a panel organized by the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Competition Policy, Antitrust, and Consumer Rights, chaired by Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), to brief congressional staff on antitrust legislation aimed at tech companies.

We understand the value of a scrupulous look at competition in our markets, including digital markets. After all, we use technology in every facet of our lives. But, when you are aligned with the interests of Murdoch, it’s time to take a step back and consider the motivations of those you are validating in the mission to protect consumers. Do the interests of an Australian media mogul really share your goals, or are you giving credence to his corporate warfare?