Contrary to popular belief about Rupert Murdoch’s conservative slant, the media mogul’s support for politicians has included huge sums for Democrats as well as Republicans.

 

The Sunlight Foundation says Murdoch’s flagship company, News Corp., has given more money to President Barack Obama than any other candidate. The Democrat has received $368,669, according to campaign contribution records going back to 1989.

 

The other two top recipients of News Corp. contributions were also Democrats: Secretary of State Hillary Clinton ($298,525) and Senator John Kerry ($157,901). In fact, on July 17, 2006, Murdoch held a campaign fundraiser for Clinton.

 

Furthermore, those receiving the most money from News Corp. during 2009-2010 were Democrats as well: Senator Barbara Boxer ($58,900); and Representatives Henry Waxman ($28,900) and Howard Berman ($19,350).

 

News Corp.’s support for Obama included donations from top company executives, including Thomas Rothman, chairman and CEO of Fox Filmed Entertainment, Vanessa Morrison, president of Fox Animation Studios, Gary Ginsberg, who was executive vice president of corporate marketing and communications at News Corp until 2009, and Mark Kaner, president of 20th Century Fox Television Distribution.

-Noel Brinkerhoff

 

Murdoch's Cash Lines Pockets of Members of Congress (by Kathleen Ronayne, OpenSecrets.org)

Murdoch's Influence Extends to U.S., Global Politics (by Ryan Sibley, Sunlight Foundation)

Who Were Obama's News Corp Contributors? (by Bill Allison, Sunlight Foundation)