Fact Check: Did Regan helped Rupert Murdock become a us citizen

Did Reagan Help Rupert Murdoch Become a U.S. Citizen?

The claim that former President Ronald Reagan assisted Rupert Murdoch in obtaining U.S. citizenship has surfaced in various discussions about the media mogul's rise in American media. This assertion raises questions about the nature of political influence and the intersection of media and government. However, the evidence supporting this claim is limited and requires careful examination.

What We Know

1. Murdoch's Citizenship: Rupert Murdoch became a U.S. citizen in September 1985. His naturalization was primarily motivated by his desire to expand his media holdings in the United States, particularly to meet ownership requirements for television stations, which mandated that U.S. stations be owned by American citizens 136.

2. Timing and Context: Murdoch's naturalization coincided with his increasing influence in U.S. media, particularly as he sought to acquire the largest chain of independent television stations at that time 13.

3. Lack of Direct Evidence: There is no direct evidence or credible documentation linking Reagan to any specific assistance in Murdoch's naturalization process. A fact-checking source noted that while Murdoch's citizenship was confirmed, the claim of Reagan's involvement remains unsupported by reliable testimony or documentation 2.

4. Political Connections: Murdoch had established connections with Reagan's administration, including meetings with key figures such as Roy Cohn and U.S. Information Agency Director Charles Wick 8. However, these connections do not constitute direct evidence of assistance in obtaining citizenship.

5. Media Reports: Various media outlets reported on Murdoch's citizenship, but none established a direct link to Reagan's influence. Articles from the Los Angeles Times and The New York Times confirm Murdoch's citizenship but do not mention Reagan's involvement 136.

Analysis

The sources surrounding this claim vary in reliability and potential bias:

• Mainstream Media: Articles from reputable sources like The New York Times and Los Angeles Times provide factual accounts of Murdoch's citizenship without asserting any direct involvement from Reagan. These sources are generally credible and are known for their journalistic standards 13.

• Fact-Checking Sources: The fact-checking website Truth or Fake explicitly states that the claim lacks credible evidence, which adds a layer of scrutiny to the assertion 2. This source is useful for evaluating the validity of claims but should be considered alongside other evidence.

• Opinion and Analysis Pieces: Articles that discuss Murdoch's rise in relation to Reagan's presidency, such as those from Consortium News and The Broken Elbow, provide context but may also reflect the authors' biases or agendas. For instance, the piece from Consortium News discusses Murdoch's connections to Reagan but does not provide direct evidence of assistance in his citizenship process 78.

• Historical Context: Understanding the political climate of the 1980s, particularly the relationship between media and government, is crucial. Murdoch's media empire grew significantly during Reagan's presidency, which may lead to speculation about the nature of their relationship. However, speculation does not equate to verified fact.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that Ronald Reagan assisted Rupert Murdoch in obtaining U.S. citizenship is unsupported by credible evidence. While Murdoch became a U.S. citizen in September 1985, the assertion of Reagan's involvement lacks direct documentation or reliable testimony. The evidence primarily consists of Murdoch's political connections during Reagan's presidency, which do not substantiate the claim of assistance in the naturalization process.

It is important to note that while the relationship between Murdoch and Reagan may have influenced media dynamics during the 1980s, this does not confirm any specific actions taken by Reagan regarding Murdoch's citizenship. The limitations of available evidence mean that while the claim can be dismissed as false, the broader context of their interactions remains a topic for further exploration.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and consider the sources and evidence behind claims, especially those involving historical figures and their relationships.

Sources

1. The New York Times. "For TV Deal, Murdoch Will Seek Citizenship." Link
2. Truth or Fake. "Fact Check: Did Ronald Reagan help Rupert Murdoch obtain his American citizenship?" Link
3. Los Angeles Times. "Media Magnate Murdoch Now U.S. Citizen." Link
4. Market Realist. "Is Rupert Murdoch a U.S. Citizen?" Link
5. John Menadue. "How Reagan and US agencies made Murdoch a king." Link
6. Los Angeles Times. "Murdoch Becomes U.S. Citizen, Can Buy TV Network." Link
7. The Broken Elbow. "Rupert Murdoch and Ronald Reagan - Propaganda Pals." Link
8. Consortium News. "How Roy Cohn Helped Rupert Murdoch." Link
9. Chicago Tribune. "Murdoch Very Satisfied Being New U.S. Citizen." Link
10. Quartz. "America is looking to relax the rule that spurred Rupert Murdoch to become a U.S. citizen." Link