Murdoch's Politics

Book reviews of Rupert Murdoch: An Investigation of Political Power

(published as Murdoch's Politics in Britain and the United States)

McKnight gives fascinating detail – much of it new to me – about the extent to which Murdoch funded and continues to fund conservative institutions and individuals
-- Ross McKibbin, London Review of Books, 20 June 2013

McKnight marshals with fresh clarity the evidence that Murdoch’s empire is peculiarly attuned to its proprietor’s whims …. Anger is not McKnight’s forte. Deep research, vivid quotation and plain storytelling are his strengths.
-- David Marr, The Monthly, December 2011

As an anatomy and record of the reign of Murdoch this book is brave and valuable. And one day, when Murdoch is gone, it will help explain why so many obeyed him.
-- Andy Beckett, The Guardian, 20 February 2013

This is a detailed forensic analysis of Murdoch’s power – a compelling study of one man’s obsessions and how he joined those obsessions to his ever-growing influence
-- Norman Abjorensen, ANU, Australian Journal of Politics and History

How to buy Murdoch's Politics for UK and US Readers:
http://www.plutobooks.com/display.asp?ISB=9780745333465

Populism Now

Populism can be a dirty word. Brexit and the election of Donald Trump have certainly given it a bad name. But rather than associating it with demagoguery and exclusion, might we better see it as a backlash against free market globalisation? Might it be harnessed as a positive force able to thrive in difficult times?

This timely and persuasive book exposes the failures of globalisation: greedy banks, predatory privatisation, corporate tax avoidance and a growing underclass of temporary overseas workers. David McKnight argues that a progressive populism could address the genuine economic grievances of everyday people, without scapegoating immigrants or ethnic minorities. In fact, a progressive form of populism may be the best way of defeating the racist backlash of right-wing populism. It may also be the best way to save the planet.

Buy Populism Now
as an Amazon Kindle Edition

About Big Coal

Australia's dirtiest habit is its addiction to coal. But is our dependence on it a road to prosperity or a dead end? Are we hooked for life? And who is profiting from our addiction? Former lobbyist and political insider Guy Pearse, media and politics commentator David McKnight and environment writer Bob Burton cut through the spin to expose the underbelly of an industry whose power continues to soar while its expansion feeds catastrophic climate change.

Buy Big Coal
as an e-Book

About Rupert Murdoch's Crusading Corporation

When Rupert Murdoch called, Prime Ministers and Presidents picked up the phone. David McKnight exposes Murdoch's unflinching use of his media empire to further his political agenda over decades. This is the story behind the hacking scandal that rocked the world and shook the Murdoch empire.

Buy Rupert Murdoch: An Investigation of political power
as an e-Book

About Beyond Right and Left

Do Right and Left still mean anything in politics? Are environmental issues always 'left wing'? Is it only 'right wing' to worry about the family? In fact these traditional connections have broken down, but what is taking their place? » read more

Buy Beyond Right and Left
as an e-Book

What others think

"... David McKnight has managed to write something that is at once original, courageous, realistic and fresh."

- Robert Manne
Professor of Politics
La Trobe University,
author of Left Right Left

"Subtle, incisive, courageous; bound to be a watershed in Australian progressive politics."

- Clive Hamilton
Executive Director
The Australia Institute,
author Growth Fetish

"David McKnight gives us the tools to work out where we stand - and what unites rather than divides us - as the struggle to defend our democracy begins in earnest"

- Margo Kingston
Author of
Not Happy John

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Murdoch's Politics

Book reviews of Rupert Murdoch: An Investigation of Political Power