Likewise Malcolm Fraser would have romped home in December 1975 without the barracking of News Limited's newspapers. What was surprising in 1972 was not Labor's victory but, rather, the relatively close margin. Murdoch had moved his support to Tony Blair. But there is little doubt Blair would have become prime minister without this support. It so happens most politicians are obsessed by the media, if only because they project themselves to the community at large through newspapers, radio and television.
Politicians devour news and comment, including editorial opinion.
This can give them the feeling that the purveyors of news are more influential than is warranted by an objective assessment. The recent republic debate demonstrates the point. If News Limited is as successful with its media policy campaign in the coalition's marginal seats as it was in these very same electorates on 6November, then the Prime Minister does not have much to worry about. Sure, media proprietors are important, but they're not always victorious. The same is true of religious leaders.