Rupert Murdoch is a name that resonates across the media industry globally. He is one of the most powerful and influential media moguls, with a career spanning several decades and a vast media empire. From owning Fox News to having a significant influence on journalism and broadcasting, Murdoch’s life has been both impactful and controversial. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Rupert Murdoch—his personal life, family, education, net worth, his ownership of Fox News, and much more.
Who is Rupert Murdoch?
Do you know who owned FoxNews? Rupert Murdoch, born Keith Rupert Murdoch on March 11, 1931, in Melbourne, Australia, is a businessman and media mogul. He is the founder and executive chairman of News Corporation, which is now split into two entities: News Corp (a publishing and newspaper division) and 21st Century Fox (a film and television company). Through his vast array of media holdings, Murdoch has exerted immense influence over journalism, politics, and entertainment across the world.
Family Background
Murdoch was born into a media-oriented family. His father, Sir Keith Murdoch, was a war correspondent and a newspaper publisher. His mother, Dame Elisabeth Murdoch, was a philanthropist. This family legacy undoubtedly influenced Rupert’s decision to enter the media business, and he went on to build one of the largest media empires in history.
Education
Murdoch attended Geelong Grammar School, one of the top schools in Australia. After graduating, he attended Worcester College at the University of Oxford in England, where he studied Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. His education played a crucial role in shaping his future as a media baron.
Net Worth
As of 2024, Rupert Murdoch’s estimated net worth is approximately $17 billion. This staggering wealth primarily comes from his holdings in News Corp and 21st Century Fox, as well as various other media ventures across the globe. His assets include newspapers, television networks, and publishing houses.
How He Owned Fox News
Rupert Murdoch founded Fox News in 1996. The network was launched as a conservative news channel, and under Murdoch’s leadership, it quickly became one of the most-watched news networks in the United States. Murdoch saw an opportunity to fill a gap in the market for conservative news coverage, and Fox News became an influential force in American politics, particularly among right-wing audiences.
Murdoch’s role in Fox News wasn’t just financial. He played a hands-on role in shaping its content, especially in its early days, helping to develop its conservative-leaning stance. Over the years, the network has produced several well-known TV personalities and hosts, such as Sean Hannity and Tucker Carlson.
Rupert Murdoch’s Children
Rupert Murdoch has six children from three marriages:
- Prudence Murdoch – His daughter with his first wife, Patricia Booker.
- Elisabeth Murdoch – His daughter with his second wife, Anna Torv.
- Lachlan Murdoch – His son with Anna Torv and current executive at Fox Corporation.
- James Murdoch – His son with Anna Torv, who previously served as CEO of 21st Century Fox.
- Grace Murdoch – His daughter with his third wife, Wendi Deng.
- Chloe Murdoch – His younger daughter with Wendi Deng.
The Murdoch children have played various roles within the media empire. While Lachlan Murdoch has stayed close to the business and continues to manage Fox, James Murdoch has distanced himself from the family’s conservative political stance, and Elisabeth has focused on her own ventures.
How Old is Rupert Murdoch?
As of 2024, Rupert Murdoch is 93 years old. Despite his advanced age, Murdoch remains active in his businesses, though there has been increasing speculation about the future of his media empire, especially with his children poised to inherit significant roles.
Is Rupert Murdoch Jewish?
Rupert Murdoch is not Jewish. He was born into a Christian family and has adhered to Christianity throughout his life. However, there has been speculation and misinformation regarding his religion due to his extensive business dealings and influence across various communities.
Rupert Murdoch’s Wedding
Rupert Murdoch has been married five times. His marriages have been highly publicized, given his prominence and wealth:
- Patricia Booker (1956-1967) – An Australian flight attendant and his first wife.
- Anna Torv (1967-1999) – A journalist with whom he had three children (Elisabeth, Lachlan, and James).
- Wendi Deng (1999-2013) – A businesswoman who worked at one of Murdoch’s TV channels before they married.
- Jerry Hall (2016-2022) – A former model and actress who was previously married to Mick Jagger.
- Ann Lesley Smith – Murdoch announced his engagement to Ann Lesley Smith, a former police chaplain, in 2023.
Each of Murdoch’s marriages has garnered significant media attention, especially as his wealth and empire grew with time.
Rupert Murdoch’s Spouse
Murdoch’s current spouse is Ann Lesley Smith. They got engaged in 2023, and it marked a new chapter in Murdoch’s personal life after the end of his marriage to Jerry Hall in 2022. Smith is a former police chaplain, and their engagement became headline news due to Murdoch’s age and stature.
Rupert Murdoch’s Influence on the Media
Throughout his career, Murdoch has built a media empire that spans across continents. His ownership includes:
- The Times and The Sunday Times in the UK.
- The Wall Street Journal and The New York Post in the US.
- Sky TV (until its sale to Comcast) and Fox News.
- Major holdings in HarperCollins Publishers.
Murdoch’s media companies have played crucial roles in shaping political discourse, particularly in the UK, Australia, and the US. His influence has made him a controversial figure, especially for his close relationships with political leaders.
Rupert Murdoch’s Legacy
Murdoch’s legacy is marked by both his incredible achievements and controversies. He revolutionized global media with a conservative bent, from launching the tabloid The Sun to creating Fox News, a key player in American media. However, his media empire has also been involved in scandals, most notably the News of the World phone-hacking incident in 2011, which led to the shutdown of the paper and widespread criticism of Murdoch’s journalistic ethics.
Conclusion
Rupert Murdoch is one of the most influential figures in the global media landscape. His vast empire, powerful family, and enduring legacy continue to shape journalism, entertainment, and politics. From his early days in Australia to becoming the owner of Fox News, Murdoch’s story is a testament to ambition, power, and influence. While he is now in his 90s, his media empire remains a force to be reckoned with, and his children are poised to continue the legacy he built over more than six decades.
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