Rupert Murdoch & Family: The Builders of a Media Empire

Rupert Murdoch is one of the most influential figures in the history of global media, a man whose vision and ambition created an empire spanning continents and shaping public opinion for decades. Born on March 11, 1931, in Melbourne, Australia, Murdoch’s journey began when he inherited The News, a small Adelaide newspaper, at the age of 22 following the death of his father, Sir Keith Murdoch. What followed was a transformation of that modest inheritance into a sprawling media dynasty.

Murdoch’s business acumen became evident early on as he turned The News into a thriving publication. His strategy of blending sensationalist headlines with solid journalism laid the foundation for his future ventures. By the 1960s, he had expanded into Sydney and later into Britain, acquiring major publications like The Sun and The Times of London. In the U.S., he made a splash with the purchase of The New York Post and later transformed The Wall Street Journal into a global business media powerhouse.

Murdoch’s genius lay in his ability to identify and exploit gaps in the market. One of his most notable achievements was the creation of Fox News in 1996. The cable news network became a defining force in American politics, catering to a conservative audience and reshaping the country’s media landscape. Fox News consistently ranked as the top cable news channel, cementing its position as a cornerstone of Murdoch’s empire.

The acquisition and consolidation of assets became a hallmark of Murdoch’s career. In 2019, he orchestrated one of the largest media deals in history, selling most of 21st Century Fox’s assets—including its movie studio, FX, National Geographic Networks, and its stake in Star India—to Disney for $71.3 billion. This monumental transaction not only redefined his empire but also left behind a streamlined company, now known simply as Fox, focused on broadcast television, cable news, sports, and business.

Murdoch’s influence extended far beyond business. As a media mogul, he wielded considerable political power. His publications and networks often carried a conservative editorial stance, shaping discourse and elections in the U.S., the U.K., and Australia. However, Murdoch’s political allegiances were not always fixed. He famously urged Mike Bloomberg, a centrist Democrat, to run against Donald Trump in the 2020 U.S. presidential election, showcasing his pragmatism in pursuit of business and ideological interests.

In September 2023, Rupert Murdoch stepped down as chairman of both Fox Corporation and News Corp, passing the reins to his eldest son, Lachlan Murdoch. This transition marked the culmination of a career that spanned more than seven decades. Lachlan now oversees the new Fox, which includes Fox News, Fox Business, and Fox Sports, as well as News Corp, which encompasses print and digital media assets like The Wall Street Journal and The Times of London.

Despite his unparalleled achievements, Murdoch’s career has not been without controversy. His media outlets have faced criticism for their sensationalism and partisan slants. The phone-hacking scandal involving News of the World in the U.K. led to widespread outrage, legal repercussions, and the closure of the publication. This episode tarnished Murdoch’s reputation and highlighted the challenges of managing a vast media empire.

Murdoch’s personal life has also drawn public interest. He has been married four times and has six children, each with varying levels of involvement in the family business. Lachlan, his heir apparent, has taken the helm, while James Murdoch, his younger son, has distanced himself from the family empire, pursuing ventures in sustainability and media. Meanwhile, Elisabeth Murdoch has carved out her path in television production.

A native of Australia, Rupert Murdoch became a U.S. citizen in 1985 to comply with laws restricting foreign ownership of American television stations. Despite his global influence, he has retained strong ties to his Australian roots. His media ventures in Australia, including newspapers and television channels, remain integral to his legacy.

Murdoch’s philanthropy, though less publicized, has also been significant. He has donated to educational initiatives, cultural institutions, and journalism programs. His contributions reflect a recognition of the critical role media plays in informing and educating society.

As Rupert Murdoch enters his twilight years, his legacy is one of innovation, controversy, and indelible impact. Few figures have shaped the modern media landscape as profoundly as he has. From his early days in Adelaide to his stewardship of a global empire, Murdoch’s story is a testament to ambition and resilience. The transition of leadership to Lachlan marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Murdoch family, ensuring that the name will remain synonymous with media power for years to come.