For decades, Rupert Murdoch has been a pivotal figure in the media world, leading Fox Corporation and News Corporation, which encompass various notable outlets like the Wall Street Journal, the New York Post, and Fox News.
Although he stepped down as chairman of both organizations in November, Murdoch continues to hold the title of chairman emeritus.
The Rise of a Multimedia Empire
Murdoch’s enterprises began in the 1950s with a single local newspaper in Australia. Today, his influence extends across a vast multimedia empire, incorporating television, online platforms, film, and print.
Controversies and Influence
At 93, Murdoch presides over countless publishing outlets globally, ranking among the wealthiest and most influential personalities. His relentless pursuit of exclusive stories has driven impressive sales, albeit accompanied by controversies, notably the UK phone hacking scandal of 2011.
“Murdoch is the most ruthless businessman in world history,” stated Roger Stone, political strategist and ally of former US President Donald Trump.
Family Dynamics
Murdoch has experienced five marriages and has fathered six children. His strategy of fostering competition among his offspring to determine his successor is widely regarded as the inspiration behind the acclaimed HBO series “Succession.”
“I just want them to be happy. I hope to be able to leave them a great opportunity like my father left me,” Murdoch expressed.
Murdoch holds a copy of the Sydney tabloid the Daily Mirror in 1960. He bought the newspaper that year. Murdoch was just 22 years old when he inherited the newspaper publishing company owned by his father, Keith.US President John F. Kennedy, center, meets with Murdoch, right, and newspaper editor Zell Rabin in 1961.Murdoch, right, walks in London with British banker and businessman Stephen Catto in 1968.Murdoch attends a shareholders meeting for the London newspaper News of the World in 1969. He gained control of the paper as well as The Sun, which he transformed into a tabloid.Murdoch and his second wife, Anna, watch their 14-month old daughter, Elisabeth, at their home in London in 1969.In the 1970s, Murdoch expanded to the United States. He purchased the San Antonio Express and the San Antonio News in 1973, started the National Star in 1974 and bought the New York Post in 1976.Murdoch holds up a copy of the New York Post in 1978. The afternoon daily was back on the street after a 57-day strike.Murdoch continued to expand his newspaper empire in the early 1980s, acquiring The Times of London, the Boston Herald and the Chicago Sun-Times.Murdoch, left, is seen with Queen Elizabeth II in 1985 during a tour of the Times newspaper building.Murdoch poses in front of newspapers and magazines at the New York Post offices in 1985.Murdoch, left, is seen with his wife, Anna, and their sons at the movie premiere of ‘Broadcast News’ in 1987.Murdoch presents former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher with a humanitarian award in 1991.Murdoch arrives for a hearing of the Federal Communications Commission in 1995.Murdoch poses from the owners box at Dodger Stadium in 1998.
