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Kingmaker

The Rise of the Murdoch Dynasty Series 1
Episode 1 of 3

Documentary. Rupert Murdoch must decide who he wants to be Britain鈥檚 next prime minister, whilst a battle for succession begins within his own family.

Kingmaker meets Rupert Murdoch in 1995, a pivotal year that sees him presiding over two important dilemmas - who he wants to be Britain鈥檚 next prime minister and which of his children he wants to take over his business.

This episode charts the growing relationship between Rupert Murdoch and Tony Blair, and the Murdoch press and Blair鈥檚 Labour Party - a relationship that becomes almost uncomfortably close. Critics claim that Murdoch鈥檚 organisation cultivated too much influence over the British government 鈥� lobbying for war in Iraq, enjoying open access to the prime minister and favourable treatment when it comes to business. Supporters, however, claim that this is how business works, not least when you are as influential as Rupert Murdoch.

Murdoch鈥檚 family dynamic is rocked when he marries a woman 37 years his junior, polarising the children and jeopardising Murdoch鈥檚 plans for succession. Just as Murdoch is approaching the peak of his powers and influence in the UK, cracks begin to appear that point to deeper, darker problems within his empire.

10 months left to watch

1 hour

Last on

Tue 14 Mar 2023 02:00
成人论坛 Four

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Music Played

Timings (where shown) are from the start of the programme in hours and minutes

  • 00:32

    D:Ream

    Things Can Only Get Better

  • 00:48

    Brian McFadden

    Almost Here

Credits

Interviewed Guest David Yelland
Interviewed Guest Hugh Grant
Interviewed Guest Alan Sugar
Interviewed Guest Nigel Farage
Interviewed Guest Les Hinton
Interviewed Guest Andrew Neil
Interviewed Guest Sarah Ellison
Interviewed Guest Piers Morgan
Interviewed Guest Alastair Campbell
Interviewed Guest Roy Greenslade
Interviewed Guest John Prescott
Interviewed Guest Ken Auletta
Interviewed Guest Neil Wallis
Interviewed Guest Graham Johnson
Interviewed Guest Nick Davies
Interviewed Guest Peter Oborne
Director Jamie Roberts
Executive Producer David Glover
Executive Producer Cate Hall
Line Producer Sophie Wright
Series Producer Owen Phillips
Editor Justin Badger
Editor Will Grayburn
Editor Samuel R Santana
Narrator Kate Fleetwood
Production Company 72 Films

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