Factual
Documentary film on Rupert Murdoch releases in US
MUMBAI: Robert Greenwald’s controversial documentary film – Outfoxed: Rupert Murdoch’s War on Journalism, was released in theatres on 6 August in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Washington DC. The film is being distributed by Cinema Libre Distribution.
Since its debut on home video more than two weeks ago, Outfoxed has sold well via the Internet while simultaneously creating noteworthy controversy among the media and public alike. Prior to its release on DVD, Center For American Progress sponsored ‘premieres’ and MoveOn.org organised 3700 ‘house parties’ across the US. The DVD has been listed as Amazon.com’s bestseller for two weeks with over 145,000 hits on Yahoo!, a company release states
Fox had earlier offered a strong rebuttal to the documentary at a press conference in New York soon after the film’s home debut. The Murdoch owned broadcaster also launched a full-frontal attack on The New York Times, which had published an article on 11 July about the movie.
Fox News issued a statement claiming illegal copyright infringement actions on the part of of moveon.org in cooperation with The New York Times. This included cutting a deal not to give Fox News adequate time to react to the film. Fox went on to accuse the NYT of corrupting the journalistic process.
Meanwhile, during the Democratic National Convention, the film screened to consecutively sold-out audiences. Since its debut, demand for the film by theatre bookers and distribution companies has prompted Cinema Libre to bring the film immediately to theatres in major metropolitan areas.
The film purports to examine how media empires, such as Rupert Murdoch’s Fox News, have been running a ‘race to the bottom’ in television news. The film likewise claims to expose the dangers of huge corporations assuming control of the public airwaves and the public’s right to know.
MUMBAI: India’s most famous hot seat is about to welcome an unlikely first-timer. For the first time on Hindi general entertainment television, industrialist Kumar Mangalam Birla will appear on Kaun Banega Crorepati, the iconic quiz show hosted by Amitabh Bachchan.
The special episode marks a rare meeting point of boardroom heft and prime-time television, bringing one of India’s most influential business leaders face to face with the country’s most enduring screen legend. It is a crossover that blends intellect, leadership and popular culture, all under KBC’s familiar spotlight.
Birla’s appearance dovetails neatly with the show’s current theme, Jahaan Akal Hai, Wahan Akad Hai, which celebrates the confidence that comes from clarity of thought and knowledge. His presence lends weight to the idea that sharp thinking and conviction are as vital in life as they are in the quiz chair.
In a thoughtful conversation with Bachchan, Birla shared an upbeat view of India’s economic journey, pointing to the nation’s rapid growth and the scale of opportunity opening up across industries and communities. He spoke of momentum, ambition and a future shaped by enterprise and ideas.
The episode is not all serious talk. In lighter moments, Birla confessed his long-standing admiration for Bachchan, calling him his favourite actor and admitting to a touch of nervousness at answering questions in front of the Shahenshah himself. The candour adds a human touch to a man more often seen in headlines than on television sets.
The special episode airs on Monday, 29 December at 9.00 pm on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV.
