Murdoch tops Vanity Fair's power 100 for second year after media coup

By David Usborne in New York
The Independent

It has been a tumultuous year in the worlds of finance, entertainment, media, technology and fashion, at least according to Vanity Fair which this week releases its top 100 of the world's most influential figures. While the list will flatter those who have held their footing on the slippery slopes of cache and clout – well done Rupert Murdoch and Steve Jobs – others who have tumbled will be scowling.

Climbers in the magazine's "New Establishment 2007" include New York Mayor and financial news kingpin Michael Bloomberg (ninth place from 36th last year). The highest new entry, at number 11, is Carlos Slim Helu, the Mexican telecommunications titan and art collector.

There is little science in lists such at these – the magazine weighs wealth (Slim has more money than anyone) and other such intangible factors as influence and general shininess. They are the people, allegedly, who shape our world.

Not so shiny is Sumner Redstone, 84, the head of Viacom, who plunges 40 points to 70th place after several nasty legal spats. Celebrities considered to have waned include Tom Hanks and Tom Cruise.

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