A new book by CQUniversity's Professor Denis Cryle uses meticulous research and interviews to show Rupert Murdoch's behind-the-scenes influence on the editorial policy of The Australian newspaper.

That is according to former ABC Regional Manager and now Adjunct Professor Ross Quinn, who spoke at a Rockhampton launch* of Murdoch's Flagship: Twenty-five Years of The Australian Newspaper during March.

Ross Quinn and Denis Cryle at the Rockhampton launch

"Denis ... has been able to dissect, analyse and put together a clear picture of what actually took place behind the scenes at those times," he said.

Professor Quinn spoke of the Murdoch influence that "on occasion polarised both his staff and readers".

"This is none more evident than in the early to mid ‘70's where Murdoch fell out with Prime Minister Billy McMahon and strongly backed Labor in the 1972 federal election campaign yet did the opposite in 1975 where The Australian campaigned against the Whitlam government," he said.

"The influence of the paper is obvious when it's documented from a couple of sources that The Australian's editorials stiffened Governor General Sir John Kerr's resolve to sack the Whitlam government, with Kerr conceding as much in later years.

"This also substantially contributed to a period of industrial unrest at The Australian where journalists protested at what they regarded as editorial interference by the proprietor and management, and again this is well documented in Denis' book. It certainly makes for fascinating reading.

"... I also note that Denis acknowledges the contribution of CQUniversity researcher and doctoral candidate Christina Hunt which, having collaborated with Christina on other CQUniversity research projects, I know is well deserved."

Denis Cryle at the Rockhampton launch

Speaking in response, Professor Cryle describe his latest book venture as 'Project Highly Improbable'.

"The project started in a small way after the death of one of its distinguished editors, Adrian Deamer in 2000, and developed into one of the biggest projects I've have ever tackled," he said.

"I was surprised in the process to realise that we in Australia generally know less about Murdoch's early local operations than we do about his incursions into Fleet Street and more recently into the United States.

"The improbable nature of the project lay in the fact that written archives for the Australian paper were thin, its bureaux and staff dispersed and there was no hard copy of the paper available to me.

"It all looked quite daunting but I knew if I didn't take on the challenge, a greatest post-war media story, encompassing the exciting changes of the period from 1964 to 1989, would be lost, including the unprecedented rise of Murdoch's News Limited as the major print player in this country.

The book cover image

"I have many people to thank for bringing the book to fruition, not only the numerous participants, but Library staff and colleagues at CQUniversity's Rockhampton, who provided great service and encouragement over an extended period.

"The Bookshop and its staff have also helped make the local launch a success and have it stocked it on their shelves for interested local readers."

The CQUniversity Bookshop now holds substantial copies of Murdoch's Flagship: Phone 4930 9767 or email bookshop@cqu.edu.au .

* Murdoch's Flagship was launched at a national level in Sydney late last year.