The invention provides a compound having a structural formula (I): X-α-Y, wherein X is an moiety that binds to the Rif pocket of a bacterial RNA polymerase, Y is a moiety that binds to the secondary channel of a bacterial RNA polymerase, and α is a linker. The compound can act as an inhibitor of bacterial RNA polymerase. The invention has applications in control of bacterial gene expression, control of bacterial growth, antibacterial chemistry, and antibacterial therapy.