Murdoch Doesn't Control the Sun's Content, Editor Says

MURDOCH DOESN'T CONTROL THE SUN'S CONTENT, EDITOR SAYS
[SOURCE: Associated Press, AUTHOR: Thomas Wagner]
Rupert Murdoch, chairman of News Corp., the global media company, does not issue direct orders about which political party his best-selling British newspaper, The Sun, should support -- or what stories it should print, its editor told British lawmakers Wednesday. During a meeting last year with the House of Lords Communications Committee, Murdoch described himself as a "traditional proprietor" where the paper was concerned, exercising "editorial control" over big issues like Europe or which party to back in a British general election. But addressing the committee's inquiry into media ownership on Wednesday, Rebekah Wade, the paper's editor, said this did not mean Murdoch issues orders on which British political party to favor or what stories to run in the next day's paper. The Sun's much-sought election support is a "consensus" decision involving her, Murdoch and other top officials at the paper, Wade said. Murdoch's management style has long been a matter of curiosity in Britain, where in addition to The Sun, he owns The Times, The News of the World and controls satellite broadcaster British Sky Broadcasting -- but interest among Americans is rising since the Fox News and New York Post owner acquired The Wall Street Journal.
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