Thirty years after a bitter conflict that reshaped the British newspaper industry, Rupert Murdoch is returning to the heart of Fleet Street. He plans to hold a celebratory blessing for his marriage at St Bride’s Church, known as the “parish church of journalism.” The ceremony is a bold move considering Murdoch’s controversial past with Fleet Street.
Murdoch’s actions in the 1980s, including the dismissal of thousands of print workers and the relocation of his empire to a secure compound, caused immense disruption and anger. He is perceived by many as a destroyer of the traditional Fleet Street landscape.
John Edwards, a former Fleet Street newspaper seller, echoes the sentiments of many when he calls Murdoch a “f* the street over” and criticizes his attempt to receive a blessing in the church. Dave Nellist, a former Labour MP, compares Murdoch to Dracula seeking a blessing in a blood bank.
Murdoch’s Legacy: Saviour or Destroyer?
The opinions on Murdoch’s impact on Fleet Street are starkly divided. Some, like Andrew Neil, a former Sunday Times editor, view him as a “saviour” who modernized the industry by breaking the power of unions and introducing new technology. He claims Murdoch ended outdated practices that hindered progress.
However, Nellist argues that Murdoch’s actions destroyed the investigative journalism that was once a hallmark of newspapers like the Sunday Times. He believes that Murdoch’s takeover of the media industry has led to the dominance of media corporations.
The debate over Murdoch’s legacy continues to this day. Some acknowledge the industry’s evolution and the introduction of new technology, while others lament the loss of traditional journalistic values and the rise of corporate media control.
Fleet Street: A Shadow of its Former Self
The once bustling heart of British journalism has become a ghost of its past. The taverns and pubs that once teemed with journalists are now frequented by lawyers, financiers, and consultants.
The iconic Punch Tavern, once a hub for journalists, now hosts corporate gatherings and events. The barmaid acknowledges the shift from a journalist-dominated scene to a finance and consulting clientele. She notes the stark contrast between the vibrant, 24/7 culture of the past and the quiet evenings of today.
St Bride’s: A Lasting Legacy
Despite the decline of Fleet Street, St Bride’s Church remains a powerful symbol of the industry’s past. While some initially questioned the church’s relevance in the modern media landscape, its connection to journalism remains strong.
Alison Joyce, the current rector of St Bride’s, acknowledges the church’s “diaspora factor” as newspapers dispersed from Fleet Street. However, she emphasizes the deep historical, spiritual, and psychological ties between St Bride’s and the media industry.
The church continues to serve as a spiritual home for journalists and their families, offering memorial services for those who have lost their lives while covering news stories. These services highlight the dangers and sacrifices that journalists face in their pursuit of truth.
Murdoch’s Complex Legacy
Murdoch’s choice to hold a celebratory blessing at St Bride’s is a reminder of his complex legacy. He is a controversial figure who has played a significant role in shaping the British media landscape, but his actions have also left a trail of anger and resentment.
The choice of St Bride’s, a place revered by journalists, is symbolic of Murdoch’s attempt to seek a reconciliation with the industry he disrupted. However, his legacy remains a source of debate and reflection, highlighting the evolution and challenges of the media world.
