Keeping it in the family

Whoever thinks that the Howard government's cross media laws won't benefit the Murdoch empire, need only look at today's comment in Washington by the media mogul and the Prime Minister's reply (a smirk actually, as SBS News just showed):

Murdoch on Howard: "In this crucial hour in the history of the world and of our alliance Australia is fortunate to be led by a man of such vision and courage."

Howard on Murdoch: "Rupert - through his life and his efforts, particularly in recent decades - has exemplified all of the things that our two countries have in common and has made an enormous contribution to cementing the good relations between the people of Australia and the people of the United States."