Rupert Murdoch raises questions on 'old-fashioned' Page 3 - feeding speculation the Sun will axe it
Media mogul Rupert Murdoch on Wednesday fanned the flames of speculation that the Sun will remove its iconic Page 3 girl from the newspaper after he asked Twitter users whether the feature was still relevant to readers.
Murdoch raised the question on Wednesday
The 83-year-old head of News Corp, which owns the Sun, said on the social network he personally thought it was “old fashioned” for the newspaper to show topless models. However, he added that the paper’s readers seem to like it that way.
The Sun, which is the UK’s most popular tabloid newspaper, is regularly accused of displaying women as sexual objects by campaign group ‘No More Page 3’.
Murdoch tweeted: "Aren't beautiful young women more attractive in at least some fashionable clothes?"
Page 3 again. Aren't beautiful young women more attractive in at least some fashionable clothes? Your opinions please.
— Rupert Murdoch (@rupertmurdoch) September 10, 2014
Users responded to the post with their own views on the ‘old fashioned’ page which has shown topless models since 1970.
.@rupertmurdoch I prefer it when we're celebrating their achievements rather than their looks, Rupert. — WH (@will_full) September 10, 2014@rupertmurdoch The hint and possibility is always more alluring. But, really, why Page 3 at all? — Andrew Laurence (@atlauren) September 10, 2014
@rupertmurdoch I'll comment on page 3 girls when the score is evened and we see some page 3 guys. — MC Hogg (@mariecamilleh) September 10, 2014
@rupertmurdoch Nudity is great, in the right context. Your newspaper IS NOT the right context!! @NoMorePage3 — Brenna Aston (@NennaBaston) September 10, 2014
A Sun spokesperson said: “While all aspects of the Sun are continually under review, we remain committed to listening to our readers and producing the newspaper that they want to read."
The Australian billionaire has sparked much commotion on Twitter of late, on Tuesday he sparked speculation about his position on Scottish independence.