In an article that was published in March 2006, Rupert Murdoch was quoted saying that businesses should beware of the booming industry of technology and the Internet. He warns that the worldwide web is such a powerful, ever-expanding media tool that it could easily put many companies in danger of being taken over or forced out of business. In heeding his own warning, Murdoch, the chief executive of News Corp, strategically began purchasing large units of Internet, setting a budget of $2 billion towards his web buyout. One of his main purchases included MySpace, a booming web site in 2005 when Murdoch acquired it, even more lucrative and popular now. This newsworthy takeover made some MySpace users weary that News Corp would begin censoring members’ expressions of themselves and charging for a once free service.
As McChesney writes in his chapter on media activism, recently the guys in Washington have started taking notice of the public’s opinion on media reform. What was once an unheard of argument has now become a defining campaign hot button issue. With News Corp’s reportedly bias views, one could understand how Internet users could become concerned with Murdoch’s recent purchase. What if MySpace becomes a mainstream advertising site (as it mostly is now), littered with advertisements geared specifically towards Fox News? Would it still be a simple space for old friends to reunite and new friends to meet? Or would it become a flood of pop-ups and banners advertising the latest at Fox’s news desk? Luckily, politicians and those in office are beginning to take note that the people want media reform and it could be a deal breaker for those running for office.
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