Murdoch in the Mogul's Seat

Hollywood buzzes about the press lord's attempt to build a fourth TV network

Only a few hours earlier, Rupert Murdoch had confided to a visitor that he has no particular fondness for Hollywood's social circuit. But a show- business mogul must put on a good show. So there he stood last month sipping Perrier at a Beverly Hills reception, flashing a smile and chatting comfortably with the likes of Jack Nicholson and Dino De Laurentiis. Stars and studio bosses had all turned out. The party, in honor of Murdoch and his wife Anna, was the perfect opportunity for everyone to size up the Australian-born newspaper tycoon who has become America's newest video czar.

Murdoch...

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