The Empire Rupert Murdoch Built
Rupert Murdoch’s decades-long career as a media titan has transformed him from an ambitious inheritor of a single Australian newspaper into one of the most influential figures in global media. Through strategic acquisitions, bold business moves, and an unerring sense for public appetite, Murdoch constructed a sprawling empire that spans continents and media formats. His holdings have shaped political discourse, entertainment landscapes, and publishing traditions across the English-speaking world and beyond.
At the heart of Murdoch’s empire sits Fox Corporation, home to Fox News, the conservative-leaning cable news network that revolutionized American television news when it launched in 1996. Fox News became not just a ratings powerhouse but a cultural and political force that reshaped the media landscape. The broader Fox television network has delivered iconic shows ranging from “The Simpsons” to “American Idol,” while Fox Sports established itself as a major player in sports broadcasting with rights to NFL games, Major League Baseball, and NASCAR. The entertainment division has expanded in recent years to include streaming service Tubi, which Murdoch acquired in 2020 for $440 million, providing the company with a foothold in the direct-to-consumer digital space as viewing habits evolved away from traditional cable.
Murdoch’s print empire remains substantial despite the industry’s challenges. His News Corp includes prestigious newspapers like The Wall Street Journal and the New York Post in America, The Times and The Sun in Britain, and The Australian in his homeland. These publications span the political spectrum from the business-focused, generally conservative Wall Street Journal to the tabloid sensibilities of The Sun and the New York Post. Through these outlets, Murdoch has wielded tremendous influence over political discourse in multiple countries, with politicians often seeking his favor. His publishing interests extend beyond newspapers to include HarperCollins, one of the world’s largest book publishers, which brings everything from literary fiction to conservative political manifestos to market under dozens of imprints.
The Murdoch empire has weathered numerous controversies throughout its expansion. The 2011 phone-hacking scandal involving his British tabloids led to the closure of the 168-year-old News of the World and nearly derailed his business in the UK. Fox News has faced advertiser boycotts and sexual harassment scandals that led to the departure of founder Roger Ailes and star host Bill O’Reilly. More recently, the network settled a defamation lawsuit with Dominion Voting Systems for $787.5 million over false claims about the 2020 presidential election. Despite these challenges, Murdoch has demonstrated remarkable resilience, continuing to expand his holdings while adapting to changing media landscapes.
In 2019, Murdoch orchestrated a significant restructuring of his empire, selling most of 21st Century Fox’s entertainment assets to Disney for $71.3 billion while retaining the Fox broadcast network, Fox News, and Fox Sports. This deal represented both a consolidation and a strategic pivot, allowing Murdoch to focus on news and sports—live programming that continues to attract advertisers—while cashing in on entertainment assets at a premium. The move demonstrated Murdoch’s pragmatic business sense and ability to anticipate industry shifts, as traditional media companies found themselves competing with deep-pocketed tech giants entering the content business. The streamlined Fox Corporation and News Corp continue to operate as separate entities, though both remain firmly under family influence.
At 92, Rupert Murdoch has begun stepping back from day-to-day operations, raising questions about succession and the future direction of his media holdings. His son Lachlan currently serves as executive chairman and CEO of Fox Corporation, while James, once seen as heir apparent, departed the family business over reported disagreements about editorial direction. The empire Murdoch built reflects his business acumen, political sensibilities, and willingness to disrupt established industries. From tabloid newspapers to prestigious broadsheets, from broadcast television to streaming services, from book publishing to sports broadcasting, the Murdoch media universe continues to influence how millions of people around the world receive information and entertainment, leaving an indelible mark on global media that will outlast its founder.
