Rupert Murdoch Apologizes For Cartoon: "The Buck Stops With Me"

Rupert Murdoch released a statement in the pages of the NY Post on Tuesday, saying in part, "I am ultimately responsible."

Murdoch was responding to the uproar after last week's controversial stimulus cartoon, for which the paper had already semi-apologized.

The statement in full:

As the Chairman of the New York Post, I am ultimately responsible for what is printed in its pages. The buck stops with me.

Last week, we made a mistake. We ran a cartoon that offended many people. Today I want to personally apologize to any reader who felt offended, and even insulted.

Over the past couple of days, I have spoken to a number of people and I now better understand the hurt this cartoon has caused. At the same time, I have had conversations with Post editors about the situation and I can assure you - without a doubt - that the only intent of that cartoon was to mock a badly written piece of legislation. It was not meant to be racist, but unfortunately, it was interpreted by many as such.

We all hold the readers of the New York Post in high regard and I promise you that we will seek to be more attuned to the sensitivities of our community.

Comments

[Nazz]

I stopped reading NY times, do not watch Faux propaganda, & encourage others to do the same ...GOP is all about BS, packaging.­.. until the citizens realise that what has been done to this nation in last 8 years ..it will be hard climb out of the black hole we are in ...

[UnknownSoldier]

Nazz,

Its been 30 years not 8

[enna]

"I stopped reading the NY Times"....­.Don't you mean the NY Post...the great offender in this situation?

And while we're on the subject, Murdock simply paraphrased the lame excuse that the Post gave. He doesn't "get it" because he's an Australian with their own racial dark side.

Log onto Al Sharpton's website and sign the petition to deny Murdoch the waiver he needs to continue his monopoly of the press in this country. I hold Murdoch personally responsible for twisting the news in such a way that the unenlightened could actually vote in George Bush twice. Why would the USA allow its foremost propaganda machines, hence its government, to be controlled by someone from another country?

[UnknownSoldier]

Love are Hate Murdoch, but give him credit for coming out and apologizing. How many CEO's have come foward to say listen even though I may not have directly made this bad loans and other financial products, but ultimately the Buck Stops with Me and I'm responsible for what my company does.


No they turned around and blamed the Community Reinvestment Act which accounts for less than 6% of all Mortgages and a large percent of the mortgages are in good standing.

Support This President

[UnknownSoldier]

Love or Hate*

[Galen22]

By taking the blame himself, then no one has to get fired. I would still never buy the paper.

[AnalyzeIT]

Apparently Mur-dock, Delonas and the editor of the Post , didn't take us serious when we voted for "CHANGE" on November 4th of last year.

[trust2020]

Rupert: The buck stops with me.

The people: The buck stops!

I'm glad Murdoch came to his vestigial senses and finally said something. And I'm glad concerned citizens are holding him accountable. Looking forward to increased sensitivity in all Murdoch-owned enterprises. Or at least good luck staying, "more attuned". People were ready to start boycotting American Idol and its advertisers, Rupert (and may yet do so). In other words, it's only good for business.

And thanks to whoever posted this: http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2004/07/b122948.html

Very informative.

[littleH]

All I could think of was Obermans version of his voice AARRGGHHHH­.....

[scottymac11]

A real apology would have said
'We at the post apologize for the unforgivable lapse in judgement that prompted us to print the vile concepts presented in that cartoon. Everyone in authority concerned with its printing has been relieved of position. This or anything like it will never besmirch the pages of our paper again. We were 100% wrong in this matter. Please forgive us".

[wwoody]

What Rupert Murdoch fail to realize once toothpaste, is out the tube, you can't put it back.

[Julie02]

Too little, too late. Heads need to roll, policies need to change. He can't undo this mess with a simple apology brought on by massive pressure. NY Post thought they could get away with it. Bad call.

[bellabeach]

Way toooo little, they know they are losing the battle with the American people and the good old GOP boys are running scared....­WHOOOO HOOO! Keep leading Pres. O the American people are behind you!!

[progressivelady]

WOW I am completly shocked that he apoligized, that is a miracle!

[Bocado]

"It was not meant to be racist, but unfortunately, it was interpreted by many as such"

That right there is not an apology.
See there word "but", he's basically saying he's sorry that other viewed it was racist.

[Gmoney1]

The "buck" stops - he's right - the NY Post bucks should stop -

[Shonda Taylor]

I don't accept his apology and feel that this cartoon was beyond racist. It also advocated violence against the President which I think is horrible. I don't believe the cartoonist and editor did not know what they were doing when this was published. I believe they knew exactly what they were doing and I hope no one buys that paper and it folds. It is insulting that they would even have the audacity to deny the implications of the cartoon. Unexcusable!

[BannedInBoston]

How about apologizing for using someone's personal tragedy to make a cheap political point?

[TennGal]

I am with you on that one. NY Post also owes an apology to the both women involved in this tragedy. . They used this tragic event in such an insensitive way on so many levels. Not only with a lack of sensitivity to the racial issue but also to the issue of violence and killing as it applies to our past political and social Black leaders.

[dennissinned]

"I promise you that we will seek to be more attuned to the sensitivities of our community.­" Are you serious? You've never heard the word monkey used as a pejorative term? Where have you been the past fifty years? Which community are you referring to? Just another proof that you and the GOP you serve are out of touch.

[tvlandman]

Actually, a chimpanzee isn't a monkey.

[PlayTOE]

How many times has Rupert Murdoch admitted he was wrong and apologized? This is the first one I remember.

Protesting can get results even if they are minimal and unworthy of the situation.

Now ... Question, ... Will Rupert Murdoch change his editorial policy? hmmm (not so anyone would notice, but ... perhaps a little ... )

[genia]

...or..it has become cool to take personal responsibi­lity.....y­ou know Obama said, "I messed up" and everyone was so impressed.