Reporting on the News. Corp annual meeting in New York today, The Hollywood Reporter noted that “Murdoch acknowledged: 'I don't agree with everything that's said on Fox News.' He argued that is only natural as the network tries to present different views.”
From The Hollywood Reporter:
Questions about two $1 million political donations to groups with ties to the Republican Party took over a good portion of the News Corp. annual shareholder meeting here Friday.
Faced with criticism that the donations had political motivations and no business benefits, chairman and CEO Rupert Murdoch said they were “in the interest of the country and all the shareholders.”
He also argued that they have “nothing to do with the editorial policies or the journalism” that the company provides.
Sir Rod Eddington, News Corp.'s audit committee head who came under pressure ahead of Friday's meeting due to the donations, also told shareholders that the donations decisions were made with shareholder interests in mind after input from executives and the general counsel.[...]
Meanwhile, in the context of a question about Fox News, Murdoch acknowledged: “I don't agree with everything that's said on Fox News.” He argued that is only natural as the network tries to present different views.
Audio and transcript below:
QUESTIONER: There's been reports today that Mr. Ailes is a bit concerned about Mr. Beck, um--
MURDOCH: Is what?
QUESTIONER: Mr. Ailes is a bit concerned about Glenn Beck and him promoting his personal interests too much on the show, damaging Fox News, been saying it's too partisan. This can play out in potential--
MURDOCH: I don't know whether you watch Fox News, but Mr. Beck is the least of our stars who take liberties in promoting their interests.
QUESTIONER: So you are 100 percent comfortable with everything Mr. Beck is doing on behalf of shareholders?
MURDOCH: I don't agree with everything that's said on Fox News because we have all opinions. Unlike other channels, we are completely fair and open. And we have Democrats being interviewed, Republicans. We have people come on and argue. We've all sides of everything, and I don't agree with everything that is said, naturally.