What are Companies Owned by Rupert Murdoch – Discover the media empire of Rupert Murdoch, including the major companies he owns, such as News Corp and Fox Corporation, and how they shape the global news and entertainment industry.
Rupert Murdoch is one of the most influential media moguls in modern history. Over several decades, he has built a vast media empire that spans newspapers, television networks, book publishing, and digital media. Through his two primary companies, News Corp and Fox Corporation, Murdoch has had a profound impact on global journalism, politics, and entertainment. From The Wall Street Journal to Fox News, his companies reach millions of people worldwide.
His ownership of influential media outlets has often made him a controversial figure, especially due to the political leanings of many of his publications and networks. Recently, at the age of 93, Murdoch has been involved in legal disputes regarding the succession of his empire. This article explores the major companies he owns, their impact, and the ongoing battle over their control.
Rupert Murdoch’s Business Ventures
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Companies | News Corp, Fox Corporation |
| Newspapers Owned | The Wall Street Journal, New York Post, The Times (UK), The Sun (UK), The Australian, Herald Sun |
| Television Networks | Fox Broadcasting Company, Fox News Channel, Fox Business Network, Fox Sports |
| Book Publishing | HarperCollins Publishers |
| Other Media Assets | News America Marketing, Storyful |
| Recent Developments | Ongoing legal battle over succession, with Rupert Murdoch seeking to grant control to his eldest son, Lachlan Murdoch, contested by other children. |
Key Takeaways
- Rupert Murdoch controls News Corp and Fox Corporation, two media giants with global influence.
- News Corp owns newspapers such as The Wall Street Journal, The Times (UK), and The Australian.
- Fox Corporation owns television networks, including Fox News, Fox Business, and Fox Sports.
- Murdoch’s empire also includes HarperCollins, a major book publisher.
- He is currently engaged in a legal dispute over succession plans for his businesses.
Companies Owned by Rupert Murdoch
1. News Corp
News Corp is Rupert Murdoch’s primary publishing company. It owns some of the most influential newspapers and book publishing companies worldwide. News Corp has played a dominant role in shaping journalism in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
Newspapers Owned by News Corp
Murdoch’s newspapers are known for their political influence and wide readership. Some of the most notable newspapers under News Corp include:
- United States: The Wall Street Journal, New York Post
- United Kingdom: The Times, The Sun
- Australia: The Australian, Herald Sun
These newspapers cover finance, politics, and entertainment, often reflecting a conservative editorial stance.
HarperCollins – Murdoch’s Book Publishing Empire
Through News Corp, Murdoch owns HarperCollins, one of the largest book publishing companies in the world. HarperCollins publishes a wide range of books, including bestsellers, educational material, and literature across different genres.
Other Media Ventures under News Corp
- News America Marketing: A marketing company providing promotional services.
- Storyful: A social media intelligence and news agency that verifies online content for news organizations.
2. Fox Corporation
Fox Corporation was created after the sale of 21st Century Fox to Disney in 2019. While Disney acquired assets such as 20th Century Fox’s movie studios, Murdoch retained ownership of key television networks.
Fox News and Other TV Networks
Fox Corporation is best known for its television networks, including:
- Fox Broadcasting Company – A major American TV network.
- Fox News Channel – One of the most-watched cable news networks, known for its conservative political coverage.
- Fox Business Network – Focuses on financial news and market analysis.
- Fox Sports – Covers major sporting events in the United States.
Fox’s Local TV Stations
Fox Corporation also owns multiple local TV stations in major U.S. cities, further expanding its media influence.
Legal Battle Over Murdoch’s Media Empire
At 93 years old, Rupert Murdoch is engaged in a legal battle over the future of his empire. He is attempting to restructure his family trust to grant control to his eldest son, Lachlan Murdoch. However, his other children are contesting this move, leading to internal conflicts over the succession plan.
This legal dispute could shape the future of News Corp and Fox Corporation, potentially leading to changes in ownership and editorial direction.
Net Worth of Rupert Murdoch
Rupert Murdoch’s net worth is estimated to be around $17 billion as of 2025. His wealth primarily comes from his stakes in News Corp and Fox Corporation. Despite selling a significant portion of his entertainment assets to Disney in 2019, Murdoch remains one of the most powerful figures in global media.
Conclusion
Rupert Murdoch has built a media empire that spans newspapers, television networks, and book publishing. His influence on journalism and politics is undeniable, with his companies shaping public opinion in multiple countries. Despite selling parts of his empire to Disney, he continues to control major assets through News Corp and Fox Corporation. However, with an ongoing legal battle over his succession plans, the future of Murdoch’s media empire remains uncertain.
FAQs
1. What are the main companies owned by Rupert Murdoch?
Murdoch owns News Corp and Fox Corporation, which control newspapers, TV networks, and publishing businesses.
2. What newspapers does Rupert Murdoch own?
Murdoch owns The Wall Street Journal, The Times (UK), The Sun, New York Post, and The Australian, among others.
3. What happened to 21st Century Fox?
In 2019, Murdoch sold 21st Century Fox’s entertainment assets to Disney, but he retained control of Fox News, Fox Business, and Fox Sports.
4. Who will take over Murdoch’s media empire?
Rupert Murdoch is attempting to give control to his eldest son, Lachlan Murdoch, but other family members are contesting this decision.
5. How much is Rupert Murdoch worth?
As of 2025, Rupert Murdoch’s net worth is estimated at $17 billion, primarily from his media holdings.