Les Hinton: The Astute Political Operator Behind News Corporation

A Loyal Lieutenant to Rupert Murdoch

Les Hinton is a British-American journalist, writer, and business executive, best known for his over 50-year career with Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation. As one of Murdoch's most trusted lieutenants, Hinton played a crucial role in shaping the media mogul's empire, working in newspapers, magazines, and television as a reporter, editor, and executive in Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Early Life and Career

Born on February 19, 1944, in the docklands of Bootle, Lancashire, Hinton grew up in a working-class family. His father, a British Army chef, and mother, a seamstress, instilled in him a strong work ethic. Hinton's early life was marked by frequent moves, attending Army schools in Egypt, Ethiopia, Libya, Germany, and Singapore, as well as Liverpool. Despite failing his Eleven-plus exam, Hinton's determination led him to leave school in 1959, aged 15, and emigrate to Adelaide, Australia, where he began his career as a copy boy at the Adelaide News.

Rise to Prominence

Hinton's talent and dedication quickly caught the attention of Murdoch, who was then the managing director of the Adelaide News. As a reporter, Hinton covered the Northern Ireland conflict, where he was injured, and later became foreign correspondent for Murdoch's newspapers. In 1976, Hinton moved to London, working as a reporter at United Press International and The Sun, a broadsheet newspaper that Murdoch acquired in 1969.

Leadership Roles and Controversies

Hinton's ascent continued, with roles as editor of The Sun and later, executive chairman of News International. However, his tenure was marked by controversies, including the phone hacking scandal, which led to his resignation in 2011. Despite the setbacks, Hinton remains a respected figure in the media industry, with a reputation as an astute political operator.

Post-News Corporation and Memoir

After leaving News Corporation, Hinton wrote his memoir, The Bootle Boy, published in the UK in 2018, and later in the US as An Untidy Life. The memoir offers a candid look at his life, from his working-class roots to his role as a key player in Murdoch's empire.

Legacy and Impact

Les Hinton's career is a testament to his hard work, loyalty, and strategic thinking. As a trusted lieutenant to Rupert Murdoch, Hinton played a significant role in shaping the media landscape. Love him or loathe him, Hinton's impact on modern society is undeniable, and his story serves as a reminder that success often requires perseverance and adaptability.

Quotes and Memorable Sayings

• "I'm not a politician, I'm a journalist who has been involved in politics."
• "I've had a very lucky life, and I've had a very privileged life."

Awards and Honors

• Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts
• Member of the Council of the Australian Institute of International Affairs

Personal Life and Relationships

Hinton became an American citizen in 1986 and has been married to his wife, Kath, for over 50 years. Despite his high-profile career, Hinton remains a private individual, with few details about his personal life publicly available.

Influence on Pop Culture

Hinton's media empire and influence have been referenced in popular culture, including in films like The Queen (2006) and Black Mirror (2011).

Trivia and Fun Facts

• Hinton's first job was as a copy boy, where his task was to bring Murdoch his lunchtime sandwiches.
• He has worked in over 10 different countries throughout his career.