Malcolm Turnbull Slams Rupert Murdoch's Media Empire as 'Drunk Raving at the Moon'

'You know? Oh, OK, right, just carefully step by them, hopefully he doesn't vomit on you or something, and that's basically – you've got to basically ignore it.' — Malcolm Turnbull on treating Murdoch's media outlets.

Malcolm Turnbull, the 95-year-old Rupert Murdoch is a name synonymous with power and influence in Australian media.

Former Liberal prime minister Malcolm Turnbull has been a long-time critic of Murdoch's media empire, but his latest broadside is one of the sharpest yet. Turnbull launched a scathing attack on Murdoch and his global media empire at the launch of a book on Murdoch's life, saying his media outlets were comparable to a 'drunk raving at the moon'.

Turnbull, who has a personal history with Murdoch dating back to his time as prime minister from 2015 to 2018, said the media mogul's outlets were part of a 'polarised echo chamber' that was 'sucking the Liberal Party down, destroying it in the process'.

Turnbull's comments were made at a private book launch event for 'Getting Murdoched', a book written by academics and former News Corp journalists Andrew Dodd and Matthew Ricketson.

Andrew Dodd and Matthew Ricketson's book accuses Murdoch of intimidating critics and shaping public opinion through his media empire. Dodd and Ricketson are academics and former News Corp journalists.

The book argues that Murdoch's media outlets have 'polarised' Australian politics, creating an environment where 'sensible debate' is impossible. Dodd and Ricketson have claimed that Murdoch's outlets have 'sucked the Liberal Party down, destroying it in the process'.

Turnbull, who has been a vocal critic of Murdoch since leaving politics, said the media mogul's outlets were 'part of a game' where the goal was 'to win the argument, not to seek the truth'. Turnbull has claimed that he was told by billionaire Kerry Stokes that Murdoch was trying to oust him from the Liberal leadership in 2018.

Turnbull's attack on Murdoch comes as the media mogul faces criticism from both sides of politics over his influence and power in Australian politics. Murdoch has a long history of wielding significant influence in Australian politics, with many politicians and commentators claiming he can 'make or break' careers with his media outlets.

Malcolm Turnbull has called for Australians to ignore News Corp's 'rantings'.

Turnbull's comments are a significant challenge to the power and influence of Murdoch's media outlets, which include Sky News, The Australian, Daily Telegraph, and Herald Sun. Turnbull has argued that Australians should ignore Murdoch's outlets and not give them the oxygen of publicity.

Turnbull's attacks on Murdoch have been met with criticism from some within the Liberal Party, who have accused him of being 'out of touch' with the party's views. However, Turnbull remains a respected figure within the party and his comments are seen as significant by many commentators.

The attack on Murdoch comes as the media mogul faces increasing scrutiny over his influence and power in Australian politics. The Australian government is currently considering proposals for a media regulator that would oversee and enforce greater transparency and accountability in the media industry.

Malcolm Turnbull has accused Murdoch of intimidating critics and shaping public opinion.

In the recording, Turnbull also took aim at Murdoch's personal legacy, saying he was the 'single most influential voice' in promoting Britain's withdrawal from Europe, Brexit. Turnbull said this had turned out to be 'a great thing that turned out to be!'.

Turnbull also mentioned Donald Trump and climate denial as 'great achievements' of Murdoch's power. Turnbull has been a vocal critic of Murdoch since leaving politics, accusing him of intimidating critics and shaping public opinion.

Turnbull said that Murdoch's outlets had created a 'polarised echo chamber' that was destroying the Liberal Party.

Turnbull's comments have been met with a mixed reaction from politicians and commentators. Some have praised Turnbull for speaking out against Murdoch's influence, while others have accused him of being 'out of touch' with the party's views.

Malcolm Turnbull has accused the ABC of being 'crazy' for still paying attention to The Australian.

Turnbull said that he had urged the ABC to ignore News Corp during his time as communications minister between 2013 and 2015, but said the fact it still paid attention to The Australian was 'crazy'.

'Hello? They are the opposition. They hate you. They want to kill you,' Turnbull said. 'Does one football team take advice from their opponents? No, they're the enemy.'

News Corp titles regularly criticise the public broadcaster, the ABC. In May, ABC chair Kim Williams said articles in The Australian about the ABC's coverage of Israel were 'divisive' and 'inflammatory'.

Kim Williams, the ABC chair, has taken a firmer tone towards News Corp compared with his predecessor, Ita Buttrose.

Turnbull has accused the ABC of 'being crazy' for paying attention to The Australian, despite being the target of their criticism.

Turnbull's comments have sparked a fresh debate about the influence and power of Murdoch's media outlets in Australian politics.