I have in the past on this blog raised the spectre of Rupert Murdoch and his evil empire a few times.
There are very many reasons to despise the role that Rupert Murdoch and his media interests have played over the years.
Within the context of librarianship, it has always been plain that Murdoch and his staff/children do not like libraries.
A few examples are:
The past attempts around the world to remove or be further paid for the use by the public of print newspapers in public libraries
The attacks on librarians in the UK who supported striking print workers unions and refused to stock his titles in public libraries (1986/7)
James Murdoch’s public attacks on the British Library
The refusal to allow in Australia, for Murdoch newspapers to be archived by the NLA (note that Fairfax (SMH) allow this because they are decent)
HarperCollins ebook licencing restrictions
Fox News’ attacks on US libraries and librarians
Murdoch’s support to remove fair dealing or fair use exemptions in copyright laws
etc.
etc.
Now that we know from the revelations coming out of the UK that the Murdoch empire is truly just a vast criminal enterprise, there is some consolation that its days may yet be short.
Above is the final goodbye from the filthy scandal sheet (or some would say newspaper) that brought about Murdoch’s woes. Note how they are ‘proud’ to show off their past, is there a single worthwhile story in any of their choice of glorious historic front pages – some sleazy attacks on the Royal family, tv soap stars and criminals, what a proud record for Murdoch’s 40 odd years of ownership of this anti-worker, sexist, racist and homophobic rag.
