BBC Orders Doc Series on Rupert Murdoch's Influence Over British Media

The social history series with the working title 'A Tabloid Empire' from 72 Films will cover the period from 1997 to 2012, examining "how the popular press went from exerting astonishing influence over our politics, our public policy and our way of life.

BBC Two has ordered a three-part documentary series "exploring the extraordinary reach" of Rupert Murdoch's "empire across the British press."

The social history series with the working title A Tabloid Empire from 72 Films will cover the period from 1997 to 2012, examining "how the popular press went from exerting astonishing influence over our politics, our public policy and our way of life, to being mired in scandal after scandal — from phone hacking to corruption — culminating in the extraordinary revelations of the Leveson Inquiry."

Each of the three hourlong parts will use archive material, complemented by exclusive interviews, "forensically deconstructing some of the most iconic and infamous moments of modern times," the BBC said.

Said Patrick Holland, controller of BBC Two: "With A Dangerous Dynasty: House of Assad, 72 Films made one of the most exceptional modern history series of recent years. This series promises to combine the same forensic eye for detail with the best documentary storytelling to explore the decade which changed our relationship with the press forever."

Added Tom McDonald, head of commissioning, natural history and specialist factual: "This new commission continues to signal our commitment to stories, forms and ideas, which shine a light on the big issues in modern society through the prism of recent history. This series promises intricate storytelling, beautifully assembled archive and fascinating interviews from those who witnessed and lived through these events."