As the world confronts the existential threat of climate change, the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) and the rapid acceleration of renewables firmed by battery grid storage stand as beacons of hope. However, this transition is under attack by a coordinated campaign of lies and propaganda. At the forefront of this misinformation war is News Corp, the media conglomerate owned by Rupert Murdoch, acting as the shameless mouthpiece for big oil and legacy automakers desperate to cling to their waning empires.
The Propaganda Machine in Action
News Corp’s global media empire—from The Times in the UK to Fox News in the US—has become infamous for its outright fabrication of facts about EV demand and utility. These outlets shamelessly exaggerate challenges, distort truths, and sow doubt among consumers. By weaponizing false narratives, News Corp actively manipulates public opinion, deliberately stalling EV adoption and sabotaging the global transition to clean energy.
The chinks in their armor of propaganda are beginning to show. A glaring example is The Times being forced to issue a humiliating correction after falsely claiming that EV demand is falling. In reality, EV sales are skyrocketing globally, propelled by consumer demand, government incentives, and the undeniable superiority of electric propulsion. This case, along with others reportedly in the works, underscores the fragility of their deceitful campaign. Yet, News Corp persists, brazenly undermining the fight against climate change in service of its fossil-fueled masters.
Lies About EV Demand and Utility
News Corp’s misinformation strategy hinges on two calculated lies: exaggerated doubts about EV demand and baseless fears regarding utility.
- EV Demand: Contrary to News Corp’s doom-mongering, EV demand is not just growing—it’s exploding. In 2024, global EV sales surpassed 17 million, obliterating even the most optimistic projections. Yet, News Corp’s propaganda portrays a fabricated reality of consumer disinterest, ignoring the surging adoption in markets like China, Europe, and North America.
- EV Utility: By amplifying outdated and disproven myths, News Corp continues to peddle lies about limited EV battery life, prohibitive costs, and grid inadequacy. These scare tactics dismiss the dramatic advancements in battery technology, the plummeting costs of EVs, and robust studies showing that current grid infrastructure can easily support mass EV adoption when paired with renewables and smart charging solutions.
The Real Motives: Protecting Profits, Not People
Make no mistake: News Corp’s lies are not born out of ignorance but cold, calculated greed. As the henchmen of legacy automakers like Toyota and the titans of big oil, News Corp is waging a war on truth to protect the status quo. Legacy automakers fear losing their dominance in a rapidly changing market, while oil companies face an existential crisis as fossil fuels become obsolete. Together, they bankroll a propaganda machine that places profits above the future of humanity.
A Legacy of Harm and Betrayal
For over five decades, News Corp, Toyota, and the biggest oil companies have knowingly perpetuated a betrayal of global proportions. By spreading lies about climate change, EVs, and renewable energy, these entities have actively delayed critical climate action. Their actions have exacerbated global warming, condemned millions to the devastating impacts of extreme weather, and sabotaged efforts to build a sustainable future. Future generations may well hold these corporations in contempt of human rights for their role in jeopardizing the planet’s survival for the sake of short-term gains.
Why This Matters
Every delay in transitioning to EVs and renewable energy translates to more carbon emissions, worsening climate catastrophes, and mounting burdens for future generations. News Corp’s disinformation campaign is not just damaging the planet—it is a betrayal of trust and humanity itself.
Setting the Record Straight
Let’s dismantle News Corp’s lies with facts:
- EV demand is surging. Consumers are flocking to EVs at record rates, driven by their affordability, sustainability, and superior performance.
- Battery technology is revolutionizing transportation. Today’s EV batteries last longer, cost less, and are more environmentally friendly than ever before.
- The grid is ready and resilient. Studies consistently demonstrate that mass EV adoption will strengthen grid reliability when coupled with renewable energy and smart technologies.
Fighting Back Against Propaganda
The war against News Corp’s lies requires an unwavering commitment to truth. Here’s how we fight back:
- Demand accountability. Hold media organizations responsible for spreading falsehoods, demanding retractions and corrections.
- Promote transparency. Advocate for open data from automakers and energy providers to counter misinformation with evidence.
- Educate relentlessly. Arm the public with knowledge, empowering them to recognize and reject propaganda.
- Support independent journalism. Amplify voices committed to exposing climate disinformation and promoting sustainable solutions.
- Leverage social media. Counter lies in real-time by sharing accurate information and engaging in public discourse.
Economic and Environmental Imperatives
News Corp’s lies don’t just harm the planet—they sabotage economic opportunities. EVs and renewable energy represent unparalleled advancements for job creation, lower energy costs, and national energy independence. Ignoring these benefits in favor of protecting a dying fossil fuel industry is an act of economic sabotage on a global scale.
The Time for Action Is Now
News Corp’s campaign of deception is more than an attack on EVs; it is an assault on humanity’s future. By spreading lies and delaying climate action, they are gambling with the fate of the planet. But the world is waking up. EV demand is unstoppable, clean energy is inevitable, and the truth will prevail.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. The choice is clear: stand against the lies or let News Corp and their masters drag humanity into a climate catastrophe. With determination and truth on our side, we can expose their deceit and build a future that prioritizes people and the planet over profits.
