A case study of Rupert Murdoch: paradigm or maverick?

Information has undoubtedly become the key to 20th century existence: those who possess information are thus powerful, as are those who disseminate it. This dissertation aims to question how one individual, Mr. Rupert Murdoch, has risen to such a powerful position within the media industry and more specifically how he has used his position to expand his empire into an international conglomerate. In order to establish whether Rupert Murdoch is a unique media mogul or merely an example of the future of the communication revolution into the 21st century, it is necessary to pursue an examination of the historical development of the media. This must be achieved before one can assess Murdoch's individual role in transforming the contemporary media industry. Having established Mr Murdoch's pre-eminence in his particular field, it becomes necessary to speculate on his future. It would appear that he has reached the pinnacle of his achievements and at present it is crucial that he re-evaluates his aims in the face of a mounting debt crisis, world recession and the lack of any heir to take over his unique position at the head of the post powerful media organisation in the world. The future for the media industry in general must be assessed as must the question of a communication revolution on an international level; no national government or international body appears to have any substantial reforms for a media industry which now operates on a global scale.