Editors to hear Murdoch and Obama

By: Joe Strupp Media mogul Rupert Murdoch will be among the speakers at this year's American Society of Newspaper Editors (ASNE) conference, slated for April 12-15 in Washington, D.C. Other speakers on tap for the event include Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) and First Amendment attorney Floyd Abrams.

Murdoch owns only one U.S. newspaper, the New York Post, but also runs dailies, of course, in Australia and the United Kingdom, as well as various other media holdings. "He is a knowledgeable and important player in the U.S. media scene who has found some things that work," ASNE Executive Director Scott Bosely said. "We think he would be an interesting person to speak to the group."

President George W. Bush has also been invited, according to ASNE officials, but has yet to confirm an appearance. A panel on Iraq war coverage is planned for April 15. Next year's confab will be held in Seattle.