2009 MacTaggart Lecture in Edinburgh by James Murdoch

The transcript critiques the notion of impartiality in broadcast news, arguing that bias is inherent in all media but often disguised. It questions the necessity of media control, highlighting a historical tradition of free press that thrives on public demand and accountability. The text presents hypothetical scenarios to illustrate the absurdity of excessive media control and concludes by labeling such control as authoritarian, questioning its appropriateness in modern broadcasting.

In what ways does the text characterize the tradition of free press?

What concerns does the text raise about government control over media?