From the Gulf Times:
(Prime Minister Kevin) Rudd, facing an uphill battle to win September 7 polls against the Tony Abbott-led conservative opposition, has become a target of the Murdoch media and he accused the powerful tycoon of an orchestrated plan to get rid of him.
“Fact number one is Mr Murdoch has said in black and white that he wants Mr Abbott to be prime minister of Australia, (and) no one disputes he controls 70% of newspapers,” Rudd told reporters in reaction to the surprise announcement that News Corporation Australia chief Kim Williams had quit.
“We also know as a fact that Mr Murdoch sent out his right hand man to Australia, Mr Col Allan, (and) we know as fact a large number of his editors were called to a meeting in Sydney last week.
“What we know from that meeting, because those editors have spoken to various people, is the message that was given to them was: Go hard on Rudd, start from Sunday and don’t back off.”
http://www.gulf-times.com/...
This appears to be Rupert's favorite pastime -- using his media holdings to sway elections in Australia, the UK, and the United States.
I'm a bit surprised he is still so brazenly at it, considering the scrutiny his company is under at the moment.
But it is, I believe, unprecedented for a head of state to come right out and accuse Mr. Murdoch of direct meddling, as PM Rudd just did. It could be a sign that politicians aren't as afraid of the dirty digger as they were before Hackgate.
Three cheers for Kevin Rudd! I hope he wins.