Billionaire Profile
R
Global Rank
#114

Image: Eaton, Arthur Wentworth Hamilton, 1849-1937 | Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Rupert Murdoch & family

CEO, Newspapers
UNITED STATES
Real-Time Net Worth
$23.591B
Estimated based on Newspapers stock value as of April 20, 2026
-0.23% (24h)
Age
94
Source
Newspapers, TV network
Industry
Media & Entertainment
Citizenship
UNITED STATES

Biography

Rupert Murdoch is a highly influential media mogul, known for building a global media empire spanning newspapers, television networks, and digital media. His career began in Australia, where he inherited and expanded his father's newspaper business. Murdoch's aggressive expansion and strategic acquisitions led to the creation of News Corporation, later splitting into News Corp and Fox Corporation. With an estimated net worth of $22.6 billion, Murdoch's wealth stems from his media and entertainment ventures. Throughout his career, he has been a central figure in shaping global news and entertainment, though his media empire has also been the subject of controversy.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 4/20/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Keith Rupert Murdoch was born on March 11, 1931, in Melbourne, Australia. His father, Sir Keith Arthur Murdoch, was a war correspondent and newspaper magnate. Rupert attended Geelong Grammar School and later studied economics and political science at Worcester College, Oxford, earning an M.A. in 1953.

Rise to Success

Murdoch began his career by taking over his father's newspaper, the Adelaide News, in 1954. He quickly expanded his media holdings, launching The Australian in 1964, Australia's first national daily newspaper. In 1969, he acquired the British tabloid News of the World and The Sun. He later expanded into the United States, purchasing the New York Post in 1976 and launching the Fox Broadcasting Company in 1986.

Key Business Strategies

Murdoch is known for his aggressive expansion through strategic acquisitions and a focus on popular, engaging content. He has been adept at identifying and capitalizing on emerging trends in the media industry, consistently adapting to changes in technology and consumer behavior.

Philanthropy

Rupert Murdoch has donated millions of dollars to various charities and causes, supporting organizations focused on education and wildlife conservation.

Career Milestones

1954

Publisher of Adelaide News

Took over his father's newspaper, beginning his media empire.

1964

Launched The Australian

Founded Australia's first national daily newspaper.

1969

Acquired News of the World and The Sun

Expanded into the UK market, acquiring two major tabloids.

1976

Acquired New York Post

Entered the US market with the purchase of the New York Post.

1986

Launched Fox Broadcasting Company

Revolutionized television with the establishment of Fox.

2013

News Corp Split

Split News Corporation into News Corp and 21st Century Fox (now Fox Corporation).

2023

Retired as Chairman of Fox Corp and News Corp

Stepped down from leadership roles, handing reins to his son Lachlan.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Education and Conservation

Various Charities

Millions

Supports causes related to education and wildlife conservation.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

""Newspapers are meant to entertain, not educate.""

Leadership Principles

Aggressive Expansion

Growth through strategic acquisitions and a willingness to take risks.

Focus on Popular Content

Creating engaging content to capture audience attention.

Adaptability

Embracing technological changes and adapting to consumer behavior.

Controversies & Challenges

2011

News of the World Phone Hacking Scandal

News Corp's UK tabloid was found to have hacked into phones, leading to legal repercussions.

2020

Fox News Bias and Election Fraud Claims

Accusations of bias and spreading false claims regarding the 2020 US presidential election.

2023

Sexual Assault Allegations

Controversies involving allegations of sexual assault at Fox News.