The Man Who Owns the News

Michael Wolff narrating his own book is like watching a master poker player narrate his own bluffs—you can’t always trust the poker face, but the stories are too good to look away from. His delivery leans into the conversational, almost gossip-like rhythm of his writing, making the dense world of Murdoch’s empire feel like a high-stakes dinner conversation where secrets spill faster than wine. The pacing is relentless; Wolff doesn’t waste time on filler, diving straight into Murdoch’s most controversial moves—like his takeover of the *Wall Street Journal* or his war with the BBC—with the precision of a surgeon who’s also a showman. That said, the narration isn’t flawless. Wolff’s occasional editorializing (he’s clearly got a bone to pick) can veer into smugness, and his vocal impersonations—especially when mimicking Murdoch’s Australian twang—are hit-or-miss. Still, these quirks make the audiobook feel alive in a way most memoirs don’t. For anyone fascinated by power, media, or the man who turned both into a weapon, this is a must-listen. Just don’t expect Murdoch to come off as a hero—because Wolff sure as hell isn’t trying to make him one.