Rupert Murdoch and Family: A Legacy of Media, Power, and Influence

Rupert Murdoch is one of the most influential and controversial media magnates in modern history. Born on March 11, 1931, in Melbourne, Australia, he inherited a small newspaper business from his father, Sir Keith Murdoch, and transformed it into a global media empire that reshaped journalism, politics, and public discourse across continents. The story of Rupert Murdoch is not only one of personal ambition and business acumen but also one of complex family dynamics, political power, and enduring controversy.

Murdoch’s journey began after the death of his father in 1952. A young Rupert returned to Australia from Oxford University, where he had studied philosophy, politics, and economics, to take over the family’s small newspaper, the Adelaide News. Possessing a sharp instinct for sensational stories and the power of mass appeal, Murdoch quickly expanded his media holdings throughout Australia. By the 1960s, he ventured into the United Kingdom, acquiring struggling tabloids like News of the World and The Sun, which he turned into immensely profitable publications through aggressive editorial practices and sensationalist journalism.

The 1970s marked Murdoch’s entry into the American media landscape, where he would leave an indelible mark. He acquired the New York Post, and later founded Fox News, which became a powerhouse in American cable news. Fox News, in particular, changed the way news was consumed in the U.S., championing a conservative viewpoint and becoming a political force in its own right. Under Murdoch’s leadership, News Corporation, and later 21st Century Fox, expanded into television, film, and digital media, owning entities like 20th Century Fox, HarperCollins, and The Wall Street Journal.

Murdoch’s influence has never been limited to media alone. He has often been at the center of political power, known for his close relationships with key political figures in the UK, US, and Australia. He is credited with shaping public opinion and playing a decisive role in electoral politics, often supporting candidates and parties that align with his conservative, pro-business outlook. Politicians have courted his favor, aware of the sway his media outlets hold over public discourse.

Despite his towering business success, Murdoch’s career has not been without controversy. The most damaging scandal came in 2011, when News of the World was implicated in a phone hacking scandal, which revealed unethical and illegal methods used by journalists to obtain information. The scandal led to public outrage, criminal investigations, and the eventual shutdown of the publication. Murdoch was called before the UK Parliament to testify, describing it as the most humble day of his life. The episode tarnished his reputation and led to a restructuring of his media empire.

Behind the scenes, the Murdoch family has been a focal point of fascination and speculation. Rupert has been married four times and has six children, several of whom have played key roles in his business empire. His children from his second marriage to Anna Murdoch Mann — Elisabeth, Lachlan, and James — have all been involved in the media business at different points. Lachlan and James, in particular, were positioned as potential heirs to the empire, with their differing worldviews leading to internal family rivalries.

James Murdoch, seen as more progressive and independent, eventually distanced himself from the company’s editorial direction, resigning from the board of News Corp in 2020, citing disagreements over content. Lachlan Murdoch, in contrast, emerged as the heir apparent, taking on key leadership roles and aligning closely with his father’s conservative legacy. The succession struggle between the brothers and their relationship with their father has drawn comparisons to fictional dynasties in shows like Succession, though real-life stakes are even higher.

Rupert Murdoch’s personal life has also remained under public scrutiny. His marriages — first to Patricia Booker, then Anna Murdoch Mann, followed by Wendi Deng, and most recently Jerry Hall — have drawn media attention and sometimes intersected with his business decisions. In 2023, Murdoch made headlines again when he announced an engagement at the age of 92, only to call it off shortly thereafter.

In 2019, a major shift occurred when Disney acquired 21st Century Fox’s entertainment assets, effectively ending Murdoch’s direct involvement in the film studio business. However, the Murdochs retained control of Fox Corporation, which oversees Fox News and other media properties. The sale was seen as a masterstroke of business timing, cashing out at a peak while retaining control over the most influential political media outlet in the U.S.

Rupert Murdoch’s legacy is complex. To supporters, he is a visionary who revolutionized media and challenged elite narratives with populist vigor. To critics, he is a manipulator who degraded journalism and polarized societies. Either way, his influence is undeniable. Few figures in the 20th and 21st centuries have had as much impact on the media landscape and political power structures globally.

As he steps back from active leadership — announcing in 2023 that he would be stepping down as chairman of both Fox Corporation and News Corp — attention turns to the next generation. The Murdoch children now hold the keys to the empire, and the future direction of one of the most powerful media dynasties remains to be seen. Whether they uphold or redefine their father’s legacy, the Murdoch family will continue to play a central role in shaping how information is delivered and consumed around the world.

Rupert Murdoch’s story is one of ambition, resilience, and controversy. He turned a small Australian newspaper into a media empire that has influenced the course of elections, shaped political ideologies, and defined journalistic practices — for better or worse. His family, bound by blood, power, and business, remains central to the legacy of one of the most formidable figures in modern history.