FT.com / World / UK - Murdoch tells of PM's shock at BBC

FT.com / World / UK - Murdoch tells of PM's shock at BBC
By Joshua Chaffin and Aline van Duyn in New York
Published: September 17 2005 03:00 | Last updated: September 17 2005 03:00
Tony Blair was shocked by the BBC's coverage of Hurricane Katrina, describing it as "full of hatred of America", Rupert Murdoch, chairman and chief executive of News Corporation, said last night.


Mr Murdoch, a long-time critic of the BBC who controls rival Sky News, said the prime minister recounted his feelings in a private conversation this week in New York.

Bill Clinton, the former US president, and Sir Howard Stringer, chief executive of Sony Corporation, also criticised the tone of the BBC's coverage during a seminar on the media at the Clinton Global Initiative conference in New York.

Mr Murdoch said Mr Blair was in New Delhi when he turned on the BBC coverage of New Orleans: "He said it was just full of hatred of America and gloating at our troubles."

Mr Clinton said the corporation's coverage had been "stacked up" to criticise the federal government's slow response.

Sir Howard, a former head of CBS News, said he had been "nervous about the slight level of gloating" in the BBC coverage.

Mr Clinton invited Sir Howard and Mr Murdoch to discuss the media in a global economy as part of a three-day gathering.

Mr Murdoch referred to Mr Blair's remarks during a discussion of US foreign aid. The tycoon chuckled: "I probably shouldn't be telling you this" before recounting his conversation with Mr Blair.

The BBC in America was unavailable for comment.