CounterPunch.org | Forget Citizens United, Think Media by Dean Baker

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Dean Baker argues that the real threat to democracy lies not in Citizens United itself but in the growing concentration of media ownership by right‑wing billionaires, as exemplified by the recent acquisition of Vox Media by James Murdoch—a “lucky” outcome compared with the alternatives. He contends that undoing Citizens United would be practically impossible, so the focus should shift to countering the influence of wealthy donors and media moguls through public financing models: super‑match funds for elections, democracy vouchers, and a proposed system of journalism vouchers that let citizens support independent news outlets. By developing robust alternative media financed by the public, progressives can prevent right‑wing takeovers of the remaining media landscape and preserve democratic discourse.

Read more: https://www.counterpunch.org/2026/05/25/forget-citizens-united-think-media/

#RupertMurdoch #JamesMurdoch #VoxMedia #ElonMusk #CitizensUnited #DavidEllison #LarryEllison

The Guardian | James Murdoch to acquire half of Vox Media in deal reportedly worth $300m by Edward Helmore in New York

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James Murdoch, the second son of media mogul Rupert Murdoch, is set to acquire half of Vox Media—including New York Magazine and its digital brands such as The Cut, Vulture, and The Strategist—in a deal valued at roughly $300 million, marking his largest acquisition since his family settled a dispute over control of their media empire. Through his firm Lupa Systems, which already owns stakes in Art Basel, Tribeca Enterprises, and Indian streaming service Bodhi Tree, Murdoch emphasized his focus on “long‑form, thoughtful journalism” and cultural platforms rather than a daily news business, aiming to empower talented creators. The transaction excludes several Vox properties (Eater, PopSugar, SB Nation, The Dodo, The Verge) but retains Vox’s popular podcast network, which reaches 58 % of U.S. adults monthly. Murdoch framed the purchase as aligning with his existing cultural investments and a commitment to ambitious journalism, while Vox’s CEO praised the split as beneficial for both entities and highlighted the Murdochs’ respect for editorial independence.

Read more: https://www.theguardian.com/media/2026/may/20/james-murdoch-vox-media-deal

#JamesMurdoch #VoxMedia #LupaSystems #business #media #RupertMurdoch #LachlanMurdoch #JimBankoff #KathrynMurdoch

James Murdoch Buys New York Magazine, Vox Media’s Podcast Network and Vox Website in Deal Reportedly Worth More Than $300 Million

https://fed.brid.gy/r/https://variety.com/2026/digital/news/james-murdoch-buys-new-york-magazine-vox-media-podcast-network-deal-1236754854/

James Murdoch Buys New York Magazine, Vox Media’s Podcast Network and Vox Website in Deal Reportedly Worth More Than $300 Million
#Variety #News #JamesMurdoch #NewYorkMagazine #VoxMedia

https://variety.com/2026/digital/news/james-murdoch-buys-new-york-magazine-vox-media-podcast-network-deal-1236754854/

James Murdoch Near Deal To Acquire New York Magazine And Podcast Assets From Vox Media
#News #JamesMurdoch #LupaSystems #Mergersandacquisitions #NewYorkMagazine #Podcasts #VoxMedia

https://deadline.com/2026/05/james-murdoch-acquiring-new-york-magazine-vox-podcasts-1236881657/

James Murdoch in ‘Advanced Talks’ With Vox Media to Buy New York Mag and Podcast Network: Report
#Variety #News #JamesMurdoch #NewYorkMagazine #VoxMedia

https://variety.com/2026/digital/news/james-murdoch-new-york-magazine-vox-media-podcast-network-1236738206/

Viral Comedian Matt Buechele Launching Podcast ‘That Sounds Like a Lot,’ About Culture, Politics and the ‘Increasingly Strange Rhythms of Modern Life’
#Variety #News #MattBuechele #VoxMedia #WhattoHear

https://variety.com/2026/digital/news/matt-buechele-podcast-that-sounds-like-a-lot-vox-media-1236729911/