Harry Browne lectures in media at Technological University Dublin. His books include Hammered by the Irish (CounterPunch/AK Books, 2008) and The Frontman (Verso, 2013).
Rupert Murdoch is stepping down next month after decades of promoting reactionary political causes. His toxic reputation is well deserved, but the factors shaping conservative media bias were always broader than Murdoch himself and will survive his departure.
British journalist Robert Fisk, who died last week, produced decades of outstanding work, from Ireland to the Middle East. His greatest impact on public opinion came after 9/11, when he mounted a brave challenge to the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.