The Global Economy
Media tycoon Rupert Murdoch is an ardent supporter of a free press, as
long as it doesn't cost him too much. Last week HarperCollins U.K. -- a
subsidiary of Murdoch's News Corp., which has considerable interests in
China -- suddenly dumped "East and West," a memoir by former Hong
Kong governor Chris Patten that offers a frank and not always flattering
assessment of the Chinese government. Though his editors were enthusiastic and
though Patten signed a contract for $200,000, Murdoch took a dimmer view; a News
Corp. statement said, "Murdoch did not agree with many of Patten's positions."
Even though Macmillan Ltd. eagerly snapped up the book, Murdoch's decision
could have a chilling effect. As one agent noted, "HarperCollins is not the only
company trying to get a foothold in the Chinese market." Patten is suing for breach
of contract.