Murdoch Podcast Series by The Rest Is Politics: Alastair Campbell & Michael Wolff Explore Rupert Murdoch’s Empire
The media titan who built empires, influenced elections, and reshaped the global conversation is finally under the microscope. The Rest Is Politics Plus has unveiled a gripping new four-part podcast mini-series titled Murdoch — an unfiltered deep dive into the extraordinary life, global influence, and enduring legacy of Rupert Murdoch, one of the most controversial and commanding figures in modern media.
Presented by Alastair Campbell, co-host of The Rest Is Politics, and Michael Wolff, Murdoch’s long-time biographer and author of several best-selling insider accounts of media and politics, the series promises a rare behind-the-scenes exploration of the man who changed the face of journalism forever.
Murdoch: From a Single Newspaper to a Global Media Dynasty
Rupert Murdoch’s story is as improbable as it is impactful. Born in Melbourne, Australia, in 1931, Murdoch inherited his father’s modest newspaper business — but what he built from it would soon stretch across continents.
From Fleet Street to Fox News
The series charts Murdoch’s meteoric rise through the following eras:
The Early Empire: Acquiring The News in Adelaide before venturing into the UK market with the purchase of News of the World and The Sun, transforming British tabloid journalism.
American Expansion: Crossing the Atlantic, Murdoch established The New York Post, 20th Century Fox, and the launch of Fox News, forever changing political broadcasting in the United States.
Cultural Revolution: His empire didn’t just report the news — it shaped it. Murdoch’s media outlets influenced elections, cultural debates, and public opinion across decades.
The Power, the Politics, and the Price
Few figures in media have been as polarising as Rupert Murdoch. His empire has been both a kingmaker and a target, praised for innovation yet criticized for sensationalism and political bias.
The Murdoch mini-series takes listeners deep into the heart of his power — and the controversies that defined it:
Political Influence: From Margaret Thatcher’s Britain to the election of Donald Trump, Murdoch’s media channels have been pivotal in framing national conversations.
Corporate Clashes: Inside the boardrooms of News Corp and Fox Corporation, where loyalty, ambition, and family politics intertwine.
Public Backlash: The phone-hacking scandal, Leveson Inquiry, and ongoing debates about media accountability and influence.
Campbell and Wolff bring their unique perspectives — one as a former political strategist often at odds with Murdoch’s papers, and the other as a chronicler of the media mogul’s empire from within.
A Unique Collaboration: Alastair Campbell Meets Michael Wolff
The pairing of Alastair Campbell and Michael Wolff gives this series an unprecedented edge.
Campbell, the former Downing Street Communications Director under Tony Blair, brings firsthand experience of Murdoch’s political reach — having both courted and combated his influence during the rise of New Labour.
Wolff, whose books including Fire and Fury and The Man Who Owns the News lifted the lid on Murdoch’s empire, provides unparalleled insider insight into how Murdoch operates behind the headlines.
Together, they explore not only what Murdoch did — but why he did it, and what drives the man who has outlasted presidents, prime ministers, and media revolutions alike.
When Politics and the Press Collide
At its core, Murdoch isn’t just about one man — it’s about the relationship between power, media, and democracy.
Across the four episodes, listeners are invited to examine:
How Murdoch’s newspapers shaped public opinion in the UK, US, and Australia
The delicate dance between politicians seeking favor and editors chasing influence
Whether the modern media landscape — fragmented and digital — can ever see another Murdoch rise again
It’s a series that promises reflection as much as revelation, tackling questions about media responsibility and political manipulation that remain more relevant than ever in 2025.
The Next Generation: Lachlan Murdoch Takes the Reins
In a post-Rupert era, the question on everyone’s mind is simple — what comes next?
As Lachlan Murdoch assumes greater control of the empire, the series explores:
Whether the Murdoch dynasty can sustain its political power without its founder
How Fox News and News Corp will evolve in an age of streaming and digital transparency
If Rupert Murdoch’s media philosophy — rooted in dominance and disruption — can survive the new media order
Campbell and Wolff examine whether Lachlan will preserve his father’s conservative legacy or redefine the brand for a more divided and digital world.
A Story of Ambition, Influence, and Controversy
Few men have been as admired, feared, and debated as Rupert Murdoch. Through scandals, acquisitions, and reinventions, he has remained a constant in global media for nearly seven decades.
Key milestones highlighted in the series include:
The launch of The Sun’s tabloid revolution in Britain
The creation of Sky Television, which redefined UK broadcasting
The rise of Fox News, turning cable into a political powerhouse
The split between News Corp and 21st Century Fox, reshaping global media holdings
His influence in the digital age, from MySpace to streaming strategies
Each episode dissects the moments that defined Murdoch’s global dominance and the personal drive behind his empire’s creation.
Behind the Mic: What Listeners Can Expect
Listeners to Murdoch on The Rest Is Politics Plus can expect:
Deeply researched storytelling combining journalism, biography, and debate
Archive clips and quotes that bring history to life
Honest, at times tense, conversations between two experts with opposing perspectives
Weekly episode drops exploring different eras of Murdoch’s empire
It’s not just another biography — it’s a masterclass in understanding how media and politics shape each other, hosted by two people who’ve lived it firsthand.
Why This Series Matters Now
In 2025, when misinformation, media bias, and political polarization dominate the digital sphere, understanding Rupert Murdoch’s influence feels more crucial than ever.
As Campbell notes in the series:
“To understand modern politics, you have to understand Murdoch. His newspapers didn’t just report the world — they created it.”
The Murdoch podcast invites listeners to confront this uncomfortable truth — and to decide for themselves what Murdoch’s true legacy will be.
How to Listen
The first episode of Murdoch is streaming now exclusively on The Rest Is Politics Plus feed, with new episodes released weekly over the next month. Listeners can access the series through BBC Sounds, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other major platforms.
Final Thoughts: The Legacy Question
As Rupert Murdoch steps back from day-to-day control and the next generation takes over, one defining question echoes through every episode:
What will Rupert Murdoch’s true legacy be — empire builder or empire breaker?
