Murdoch's tabloids kept British politicians in line with threats, rewards.

[RandySF]

However much they might deplore tabloid methods and articles — the photographers lurking in the bushes; the reporters in disguise entrapping subjects into sexual indiscretion or financial malfeasance; the editors paying tens of thousands of dollars for exclusive access to the mistresses of politicians and sports stars; the hidden taping devices; the constant stream of stories about illicit sex romps — politicians have often been afraid to say so publicly, for fear of losing the papers’ support or finding themselves the target of their wrath.

If showering politicians with political rewards for cultivating his support has been the carrot in the Murdoch equation, then punishing them for speaking out has generally been the stick. But the latest revelations in the phone-hacking scandal appear to have broken the spell, emboldening even Murdoch allies like Prime Minister David Cameron to criticize his organization and convene a commission to examine press regulation.

The power to harass and intimidate is hardly limited to the Murdoch newspapers; British tabloids are all guilty to some extent of using their power to discredit those who cross them, politicians and analysts say.



http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/10/world/europe/10britain.html?_r=1&hp

[napi21]

1. Sounds just like the USA to me! I haven't any proof, but it wouldn't

surprise me that Murdoch bribes & threatens US politicians. I'm hoping all this UK stuff brings down the Murdoch empire here as well. I read on snother post that the potential fines in the UK could easily threaten his empire here, and I sure hope they're right! I'd LOVE to see the demise of FOX!!!!!!!!

[AsahinaKimi]

2. May Fox sink

Faster then a boulder in deep waters!

[aquart]

3. So far no one has come out with anything specific.

We need to have something they couldn't know any other way. One crack, that's all.

[tsuki]

6. Someone called him J. Edgar Murdoch on another blog. I thought

you might enjoy.

[LeftishBrit]

4. k& BIG R!

[philly_bob]

5. Spitzer, Weiner, Clinton and how many more? nt

[Sarah Ibarruri]

7. News of the World was a right wing organization, as is Murdoch, as is the current PM of Brittain

All were/are holding hands and being chummy.

[izquierdista]

8. Lurking in the bushes?

What better place to get pictures of Michele Bachmann!

[beac]

9. The opening paragraphs about what Rebekah Brooks did to

that female MOP confirms what an utter scumbag Ms. Brooks is. Sickening. I hope she gets the entire library of books thrown at her.