In a surprising Thursday announcement, Fox Corp. chairman Rupert Murdoch revealed he would step away from his leadership position with the company, leaving the executive role to his son, Lachlan. CNN anchor Jake Tapper was surprised by the news, but for cynical reasons.
While appearing at the Texas Tribune Festival, Tapper shared his belief that Rupert Murdoch still has a solid business plan built on outrage.
“I’m surprised because there are still so many lies left to tell. So many people left to confuse,” Tapper said. “He is somebody who figured out a long time ago that you can make a lot of money from the fact that news consumer behavior can be driven by fear and rage.”
Tapper has been an outspoken critic of Fox News, especially since its defamation lawsuit with Dominion Voting Systems was settled earlier this year. The CNN host famously chuckled while reading the network’s statement, saying “I’m sorry. This is going to be difficult to say with a straight face”.
While Rupert Murdoch has relinquished the title of Chairman of both Fox Corp. and News Corp., he maintains he will still be an active member of each company’s executive team.
“I can guarantee you that I will be involved every day in the contest of ideas. Our companies are communities, and I will be an active member of our community,” Murdoch wrote in his memo to employees announcing his departure.
