The best reactions to Murdoch buying National Geographic
Rupert Murdoch owns a lot of expensive things. As of Thursday he owns another.
In true Murdoch fashion it wasnât just a run-of-the-mill acquisition. No, his company bought the worldâs most revered and pre-eminent science magazine, National Geographic.
In a deal reportedly worth $1.04 billion, Murdochâs 21st Century Fox acquired the magazine which has been published as the journal for the not-for-profit National Geographic Society since 1888.Â
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The new deal is a for-profit joint venture that brings National Geographicâs cable television group along with National Geographicâs other properties under 21st Century Foxâs banner.
This includes its magazine and print publications, studios, maps, travel brand, licensing and e-commerce arms.
Since its first issue in October 1888, the magazine has told stories about science, history, culture and discovery.
It has always advocated for the conservation of the planet, and more recently has been a vehement voice for action on climate change.
The awkward thing is, the media tycoon hasnât been a known champion for global warming reform.
He is what you would call a climate change skeptic.
âWe should approach climate change with great skepticism,â Murdoch said in a 2014 interview. âIf the sea level rises six inches, itâs a big deal in the world.
âThe Maldives might disappear or something. Ok, we canât mitigate that, we canât stop it.
â[But] we just need to stop building vast houses on seashores.â
Responses like this, to what some say is the defining problem of the 21st century, have sparked concerns about his purchase of National Geographic.
Will the magazine stay objective? Will it continue to champion a cause its proprietor doesnât really see as threatening?
Cue the internet, which answered the questions in true satirical style. Take this response, using a seminal National Geographic cover, perhaps its most famous.
It is the iconic cover featuring an Afghan refugee girl by American photographer Steve McCurry.
The photo has been lauded for the subjectâs piercing green eyes. Hereâs how the internet wove it into news of Murdochâs acquisition:
Look at this photo again. #nationalgeographic pic.twitter.com/c6CwjvdoOK
â Dan Watkins (@d3talk) September 10, 2015
It wasnât the only great reaction that emerged after the announcement on Thursday. Here are the best we found:
Well, Rupert Murdoch didnât waste any time remaking National Geographic. #nationalgeographic pic.twitter.com/QKfvAC7yvx
â Gerry Porter (@ficklesonance) September 10, 2015
I canât see a problem with Rupert owning #nationalgeographic pic.twitter.com/O8TvDBF1Vl
â NoĂŤl (@TheWrongNoel) September 10, 2015
The latest #NationalGeographic looks ⌠interesting #climate pic.twitter.com/vH8iCcS9Hf â NoĂŤl (@TheWrongNoel) September 10, 2015
The first issue of the the new FOX owned #nationalgeographic is out. http://t.co/kfxIjjOuDO pic.twitter.com/h99XoLnaOn â John E Williamson (@JohnEWilliamson) September 10, 2015
Rupert Murdoch has bought #NationalGeographic Magazine. Preview of October 2015 edition. pic.twitter.com/74VU6kxa3S â Wyn (@WynRichards) September 10, 2015
First #NationalGeographic cover under new #RupertMurdoch ownership revealed. pic.twitter.com/E4ke0mkuiU â KarlaKapow (@karlakapow) September 9, 2015
Rupert Murdoch just bought âNational Geographic.â Hereâs sneak peek at first cover! #nationalgeographic #NatGeo pic.twitter.com/nt7hYElfJf â Michael Haigney (@MikeHaigney) September 9, 2015
When things go downhill, they go downhill quickly. #nationalgeographic pic.twitter.com/iOetdiCmeH â Neetflux (@Neetflux) September 10, 2015
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September issue out now! #nationalgeographic pic.twitter.com/n0snrzrX25 â Neetflux (@Neetflux) September 10, 2015
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R.I.P. #NationalGeographic, you were a wonderful source of info. â Baraelâs Blade (@PastafariMatt) September 10, 2015
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With Rupert Murdoch buying #NationalGeographic look for every issue to focus on present day N. American colonists. pic.twitter.com/tC5HMHamrt â Jeremy Newberger (@jeremynewberger) September 9, 2015
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R.I.P. #NationalGeographic, you were a wonderful source of info. â Baraelâs Blade (@PastafariMatt) September 10, 2015
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