The 2011 TIME 100

I was introduced to Saad Mohseni, 44, by a mutual friend, and I quickly realized he was worth listening to. In my experience, he's the best-informed person in the world about Afghanistan, which is why we're in business together. He and his brother returned to their home country from Australia after 9/11, partly out of commercial interests but largely out of patriotism. Through his ownership of newspaper and TV properties, he has become, without a doubt, the most influential media figure in Afghanistan and plays a big role in shaping public opinion there. He has shown great courage in publicly and strongly criticizing the Karzai government for corruption and incompetence. He hasn't been afraid to show men and women on TV — a practice the Taliban did not allow. With shows like the talent contest Afghan Star, he has broken a lot of conventions, and I think he's broken them in the right way: they were extremely detrimental to women; ending them makes a huge difference in their lives. He has got into trouble for what he has done, but he keeps on doing it. He's not afraid to do what's right.

Murdoch is the chairman and CEO of News Corp.