Episode Details

Sheryl McCarthy hosts Susan Mulcahy, the author with Frank DiGiacomo of "Paper of Wreckage". The book details the transformation of "The New York Post" from a liberal investigative newspaper under Dorothy Schiff to a sensational, tabloid-style outlet under Rupert Murdoch. Schiff, who owned the Post from 1939, was known for exposing corruption and supporting liberal causes. However, after selling the paper to Murdoch in 1976, its tone shifted drastically, with Murdoch focusing on sensational headlines and stories to boost sales.

Mulcahy and McCarthy discuss the lack of a formal code of ethics at the Post, where reporters often blurred ethical boundaries. The segment also highlights the Post’s chaotic newsroom culture, including heavy drinking, drug use, and reckless behavior, which contributed to a toxic environment. They explore how Murdoch’s influence reshaped the paper, ultimately redefining American journalism and setting the stage for the media landscape we know today.

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