Births on March 11

Rupert Murdoch, Australian-American businessman, founded News Corporation

Rupert Murdoch, born Keith Rupert Murdoch on March 11, 1931, is an Australian-born American titan of industry, a prominent media tycoon, and an astute investor whose influence has reshaped the global media landscape. From humble beginnings in Adelaide, Australia, his empire, primarily through his holding company News Corp, now encompasses hundreds of local, national, and international publishing and broadcasting outlets across the globe. This vast portfolio includes revered British newspapers like The Sun and The Times, influential Australian mastheads such as The Daily Telegraph, Herald Sun, and The Australian, and significant American publications including The Wall Street Journal and the New York Post. His reach extends further into book publishing with HarperCollins and into television broadcasting with Sky News Australia and the immensely powerful Fox News, the latter operating under the Fox Corporation. In the past, his formidable holdings also included Sky (until 2018) and the entertainment giant 21st Century Fox (until 2019), alongside the now-defunct British tabloid, News of the World. With a staggering net worth reported at US$21.7 billion as of March 2, 2022, Murdoch stands as the 31st richest person in the United States and the 71st richest globally, a testament to his unparalleled career.

From Adelaide to a Global Media Empire

The journey of Rupert Murdoch into the echelons of global media began in 1952, following the passing of his father. He inherited and subsequently took the reins of The News, a relatively small newspaper based in Adelaide. This initial experience proved foundational, sparking a relentless drive for expansion. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Murdoch strategically acquired a growing number of newspapers across Australia and New Zealand, laying the groundwork for what would become a vast international enterprise. His ambitions soon crossed continents, leading him to the United Kingdom in 1969. There, he made a significant impact by acquiring the sensational tabloid News of the World, quickly followed by the equally impactful The Sun. These acquisitions marked his aggressive entry into the highly competitive British media market, transforming popular journalism in the process.

In 1974, seeking even larger horizons, Murdoch relocated to New York City with the explicit aim of expanding into the lucrative American market. Despite this transatlantic move, he shrewdly maintained his considerable business interests in both Australia and Britain. A pivotal moment in his British portfolio arrived in 1981 when he successfully acquired The Times, a prestigious broadsheet newspaper that added a layer of journalistic gravitas to his growing empire. Four years later, in 1985, Rupert Murdoch made a defining decision: he became a naturalized U.S. citizen, relinquishing his Australian citizenship. This strategic move was crucial, as it fulfilled the legal requirements necessary for owning U.S. television networks, a clear indication of his future broadcasting aspirations.

Technological Innovation, Acquisitions, and Controversy

The mid-1980s saw Murdoch's News Corporation not only expanding its reach but also embracing new technologies. In 1986, driven by a desire to adopt advanced electronic publishing methods, he controversially consolidated his UK printing operations in London. This decision sparked bitter industrial disputes, famously clashing with print unions and showcasing his uncompromising business tactics. His holding company, News Corporation, continued its aggressive acquisition strategy, notably acquiring Twentieth Century Fox in 1985, a move that brought him into the heart of Hollywood. This was followed by the acquisition of the influential book publisher HarperCollins in 1989 and, significantly, The Wall Street Journal in 2007, solidifying his dominance in financial news.

Further diversifying his portfolio, Murdoch established the British satellite broadcaster BSkyB in 1990, revolutionizing television viewing in the UK. Throughout the 1990s, his empire continued its relentless global expansion, venturing into Asian networks and South American television markets. By the turn of the millennium in 2000, News Corporation boasted ownership of over 800 companies spread across more than 50 countries, with a substantial net worth exceeding $5 billion, cementing Rupert Murdoch's status as an unparalleled global media force.

However, Rupert Murdoch's career has not been without significant controversy. In July 2011, his media empire faced severe public scrutiny amidst allegations that his companies, most notably the News of the World, had regularly engaged in the illegal phone hacking of celebrities, members of the royal family, and ordinary citizens. This scandal triggered widespread outrage, leading to extensive police and government investigations into bribery and corruption by the British government, and separate FBI investigations in the U.S. The fallout was immense; on July 21, 2012, Murdoch resigned as a director of News International, his company's British newspaper arm, signaling the profound impact of the scandal.

Beyond the hacking scandal, many of Murdoch's owned papers and television channels have consistently faced accusations of biased and misleading coverage. Critics argue that this editorial stance often serves to support his extensive business interests and political allies, creating a powerful propaganda machine. Indeed, his considerable influence has been credited by some observers with shaping major political developments in the UK, the US, and Australia, underscoring the deep and often polarizing impact of his media empire on democratic discourse.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rupert Murdoch

Who is Rupert Murdoch?

Rupert Murdoch is an Australian-born American media tycoon, investor, and oligarch, widely recognized for building one of the world's most extensive and influential media empires, primarily through News Corp and Fox Corporation.

What companies does Rupert Murdoch own or control?

Through News Corp, he owns hundreds of outlets including The Sun, The Times, The Daily Telegraph, The Wall Street Journal, New York Post, and book publisher HarperCollins. Through Fox Corporation, he controls Fox News and Sky News Australia. Previously, his holdings included Sky and 21st Century Fox.

When did Rupert Murdoch begin his media career?

He officially began his career in 1952, taking over his father's newspaper, The News, in Adelaide, Australia, after his father's death.

What controversies is Rupert Murdoch known for?

He is most famously associated with the 2011 News of the World phone hacking scandal, which led to widespread investigations and his resignation from News International. His media outlets have also frequently been accused of political bias and misleading coverage.

What is Rupert Murdoch's net worth?

As of March 2, 2022, his net worth was reported to be US$21.7 billion, placing him among the richest individuals globally.