Here we may reign secure, and in my choice, to reign is worth ambition though in Hell: Better to reign in Hell, than serve in Heaven. - John Milton, Paradise Lost
By Elliot Adams
As a very nerdy fan of both horror films and journalism, I find it curious that Rupert Murdoch was indirectly responsible for the series-killing execrable made-for-tv sequel featuring Damien’s female heir – curious, because James Murdoch is clearly the closest thing the real world has to the Omen’s Damien Thorn. If I was religiously minded, and easily influenced by horror films, I would almost certainly place my bets on the antichrist and armageddon emerging from Murdoch or his progeny.
Although perhaps I am being unfair here in my ludicrous comparison. Damien Thorn, spawn of the source of all evil in this world, schooled at Yale before inheriting his father’s international corporation and using it to brainwash millions aiming to bring about the end of the world. James Murdoch however is completely different in a number of key ways, he went to Harvard instead and ..uh, wears glasses?
Interesting then that the cloven-hooved one himself Rupert ‘prince of lies’ Murdoch has brought his daughter back into the unholy fold as it were. Thorn Corporation – oh sorry, I mean News Corporation – has confirmed the purchase of Elisabeth Murdoch’s successful independent TV production house, Shine, for 415 million pounds sterling. This purchase and Elisabeth Murdoch’s subsequent promotion to being a full voting member of the NewsCorp board – alongside her brother – must be seen in the context of succession.
It seems that James Murdoch must now fight his sister for his right to take his father’s throne. They have both distinguished themselves thus far, Shine’s sales have grown exceptionally over recent years and James’ running of BskyB have been characterised by a brutality and self-interest worthy of the horned one himself.
There are other potential future NewsCorp CEOs – the current president for instance. But international media conglomerates tend to stay in the family, the Asper family’s CanWest for instance, and these other candidates lack the one thing that I think will keep them from the top job – Rupert Murdoch’s infernal blood.
