War at the Wall Street Journal : how Rupert Murdoch bought an American icon

War at the Wall Street Journal is a comprehensive and readable account of how Rupert Murdoch came to own the crown jewel of American business journalism, written by former Journal media writer Sarah Ellison.

It is a behind-the-scenes portrait of the most powerful person in media pouncing on the chance to add to his global empire. This book offers fascinating insights into a landmark business sale – perhaps the last major print media deal—and provides a fair and detailed account of the lead-up to and aftermath of Rupert Murdoch’s acquisition. The book raises significant questions about the future of print journalism and declining newspaper readership, about online news content and News Corp’s strategy.

This is a fast-paced look into big business, a crumbling old-money dynasty and the infamous media mogul himself.

Praise for War at the Wall Street Journal:

…balanced and nuanced…a riveting and engaging examination of the current state of US media and the drama behind one of its most important companies.

Boston Globe

Ellison, who covered the takeover of Dow Jones as a Wall Street Journal reporter, uses her access to ‘all of the significant players in the narrative,’ as she puts it in her source notes, to chronicle the deal with precision. Inside the news business such detailed narratives are called “tick-tocks,” and hers beats like a metronome.

Washington Post

…a classic tale of an internally riven establishment family unable and finally unwilling to resist a powerful mogul with scant respect for its values. Sarah Ellison’s account is worthwhile because of her insider status…Fascinating stuff.

Age

…a superb piece of sustained reporting an writing that even non-journalists can enjoy.

Paul Sheehan, Sydney Morning Herald

Ellison’s portrait of the drawn-out takeover is astounding as she appears to be in the room with the protagonists throughout al the plotting and blaspheming by Murdoch, his allies and the opposing Bancroft factions. For all those fascinated by Murdoch and the media, this is a captivating account.

Weekend Press NZ