It's Over: Dow Jones is Sold to Murdoch

Mark the day folks: it's the end of an era in journalism, especially business journalism. One of the great temples of journalism, Dow Jones and the Wall Street Journal, will change hands and now be owned by right-wing media baron Rupert Murdoch.



As I've said before, this will have cataclysmic effects throughout journalism. There will be a diaspora of current WSJ staffers. There will be a gradual but inevitable dimming of the Journal's bright light on corporate malfeasance. There will be even more blatant cheerleading for capitalism, investors and company management.

From a media relations standpoint, it's actually probably a good thing, if what you want is a more accommodating media that helps you promote your business and doesn't probe too deeply. After awhile, you won't have to worry about that IRS-like call from an experienced Wall Street Journal reporter digging into a less-than-positive story about you or your company. That reporter will have left the building.