A report in the Observer newspaper at the weekend revealed how Ruport Murdoch and his company News International have put in a bid to sponsor an Academy. So what? I hear you cry. Time for a bit of background then…

Schools can be turned in to academies at any point, but at the moment, it is usually if they’re not performing very well. By getting a sponsor, the academy can become more tailored to the industry of the said sponsor. Hence there’s been a big increase in the number of sports acadamies with companies such as Reebok or other localised businesses sponsoring the school and funding it.

Murdoch’s plans to sponsor an academy in Wapping has been raising a number of eyebrows. It is widely accepted in the media industry that anything News International produces favours its own publications and viewpoints. Case in point is the Fox News Network in the States whereby all of Murdoch’s political beliefs are shoved down the throats of their viewers despite their slogan being that their news is “fair and balanced”.

What this means for the academy in Wapping is that as a teacher, I would never be allowed to make a post such as this one which criticizes News International. There is also concern over Murdoch’s influence influencing young children who aren’t old enough as you to be objective.For the Observer’s critique, click here.

What’s your thoughts? Does Murdoch have too much power as it is? Should he be allowed to control the minds of young and naive pupils? Or will it provide pupils with priceless access to TV studios or magazine offices?