What companies does Rupert Murdoch own is a question that often arises when discussing global media empires. Murdoch, an Australian-born media mogul, has built one of the most influential media networks in the world. His reach spans across news, television, publishing, and digital media, primarily through two giant conglomerates—News Corp and Fox Corporation. His companies have played a major role in shaping public opinion, politics, and pop culture for decades.
Rupert Murdoch Profile
Rupert Murdoch is one of the most influential media figures in modern history. His media empire has spanned continents, shaped public discourse, and redefined how news is delivered. He has built and led some of the most powerful media brands in the world, including Fox News, The Wall Street Journal, and The Times of London. His name is often linked with media dominance, political influence, and bold business moves.
Early Life and Background
Rupert Murdoch was born on March 11, 1931, in Melbourne, Australia. His father, Sir Keith Murdoch, was a prominent journalist and newspaper executive who owned a regional newspaper business. Rupert inherited this company, News Limited, after his father’s death in 1952, when Murdoch was just 21. He had graduated from Oxford University and briefly worked as a sub-editor in London before returning to Australia to take over the family business.
Career Beginnings and Expansion
Murdoch’s early moves in the 1950s and 1960s focused on acquiring small newspapers in Australia. He quickly gained a reputation for turning struggling publications into profitable ventures. By the mid-1960s, he began expanding internationally, starting with The Dominion in New Zealand and then moving into the British market.
In 1969, Murdoch made a major leap by acquiring News of the World and The Sun in the UK. Under his leadership, The Sun was turned into a populist tabloid with mass appeal, which quickly grew into one of the UK’s best-selling newspapers.
Entry into the U.S. Market
In the 1970s, Murdoch entered the U.S. media market by purchasing The San Antonio Express-News and then The New York Post in 1976. These acquisitions marked the beginning of his aggressive American expansion. In 1985, Murdoch became a U.S. citizen to comply with American ownership laws for broadcast media, enabling him to purchase 20th Century Fox and a group of U.S. television stations that would form the Fox Broadcasting Company.
Founding and Growth of Fox
The Fox Broadcasting Company was launched in 1986, challenging the dominance of ABC, CBS, and NBC. Murdoch took big risks with programming like The Simpsons, Married… with Children, and later American Idol, which brought younger audiences to the network.
In 1996, Murdoch founded Fox News, a 24-hour cable news channel that quickly grew to dominate the conservative news audience in the United States. Fox News became one of the most profitable and influential assets in his portfolio.
Creation and Split of News Corporation
By 1980, Murdoch had formally founded News Corporation, which served as the parent company for all of his global holdings. This company controlled newspapers, magazines, film studios, TV networks, and more.
In 2013, facing pressure from investors and after the fallout from the UK phone-hacking scandal, Murdoch split News Corporation into two distinct entities:
- News Corp: Focused on publishing, newspapers, book publishing (HarperCollins), and digital real estate.
- 21st Century Fox: Focused on television, film, and entertainment.
Disney Acquisition and the Rise of Fox Corporation
In 2019, The Walt Disney Company acquired most of 21st Century Fox for $71.3 billion. The deal included the film and TV studios, FX, National Geographic, and international properties. However, Murdoch kept key assets and formed Fox Corporation, which includes Fox News, Fox Broadcasting Company, Fox Sports, and Tubi.
This restructuring allowed Murdoch to focus on core media brands, particularly live news and sports—content that remains valuable in the streaming age.
Major Business Milestones
- 1952: Takes control of News Limited in Australia.
- 1969: Acquires The Sun and News of the World in the UK.
- 1976: Purchases The New York Post, enters U.S. market.
- 1985: Becomes U.S. citizen; acquires 20th Century Fox.
- 1986: Launches Fox Broadcasting Company.
- 1996: Launches Fox News.
- 2007: Acquires Dow Jones & The Wall Street Journal.
- 2013: Splits News Corporation into News Corp and 21st Century Fox.
- 2019: Sells 21st Century Fox assets to Disney and forms Fox Corporation.
Succession and Family Influence
Murdoch has six children, several of whom have been active in his companies. Lachlan Murdoch, his eldest son from his second marriage, currently serves as Executive Chairman and CEO of Fox Corporation. Another son, James Murdoch, previously held leadership roles but distanced himself from the companies due to editorial and political differences.
The Murdoch Family Trust controls about 40% of voting shares in both Fox Corporation and News Corp. Rupert Murdoch remains a powerful figure through this trust, even after stepping back from some executive duties.
Influence and Controversy
Murdoch’s career has not been without controversy. His outlets have faced criticism for political bias, ethical issues, and tabloid sensationalism. The UK phone-hacking scandal in the 2010s was a major blow to his public image and resulted in the closure of News of the World. Despite this, Murdoch’s companies have remained financially strong and influential.
His media outlets have shaped political discourse, particularly in the United States and the United Kingdom. Politicians across the globe have courted Murdoch’s favor, knowing the power his media brands hold over public opinion.
Legacy
Rupert Murdoch’s legacy is complex. He is admired for his business genius and criticized for the editorial direction of his media empire. Regardless of perspective, his impact on global media is undeniable. He transformed small regional newspapers into one of the most powerful media machines in history, influencing elections, public debate, and culture for more than half a century.
List of Companies Owned by Rupert Murdoch
Rupert Murdoch controls a wide network of companies and media brands through two major entities: Fox Corporation and News Corp. Each of these operates independently and owns subsidiaries, platforms, and business lines across television, publishing, real estate, and digital content.
Below is a detailed list of companies and brands owned by Rupert Murdoch as of July 2025:
| Company / Brand | Type | Parent Company | Description / Business Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fox News Channel | Cable News Network | Fox Corporation | Most-watched conservative news network in the U.S. |
| Fox Nation | Streaming Platform | Fox Corporation | Subscription-based on-demand service with political shows and documentaries |
| Fox News Digital | Digital News Website | Fox Corporation | Online extension of Fox News offering breaking news and live updates |
| Fox Weather | Weather Channel (Digital) | Fox Corporation | 24/7 weather coverage with mobile and streaming access |
| Fox Broadcasting Company | Broadcast TV Network | Fox Corporation | Airs scripted shows, reality TV, and sports across the U.S. |
| Fox Television Stations | Local TV Station Group | Fox Corporation | Owns and operates 29 local stations in top U.S. markets |
| Fox Sports 1 (FS1) | Cable Sports Network | Fox Corporation | Covers NFL, MLB, college football, NASCAR |
| Fox Sports 2 (FS2) | Secondary Sports Network | Fox Corporation | Overflow and complementary sports content |
| Fox Deportes | Spanish-Language Sports Channel | Fox Corporation | Sports content targeting Hispanic audiences |
| Fox Sports Digital | Sports News Platform | Fox Corporation | Website and app with live sports, scores, and analysis |
| Tubi | Free Streaming Service | Fox Corporation | AVOD (ad-supported) platform with 50,000+ titles and originals |
| Fox Entertainment | Content Production Division | Fox Corporation | Produces scripted and unscripted shows for Fox and Tubi |
| Bento Box Entertainment | Animation Studio | Fox Corporation | Produces adult and family animation like Bob’s Burgers |
| Studio Ramsay Global | TV Production Company | Fox Corporation | Gordon Ramsay’s company behind Hell’s Kitchen, Next Level Chef |
| Fox Alternative Entertainment | Reality TV Studio | Fox Corporation | Produces The Masked Singer and other unscripted series |
| The Wall Street Journal | Financial Newspaper | News Corp | Global business daily, print and digital editions |
| Barron’s | Financial Magazine | News Corp | Weekly magazine for investors and wealth managers |
| MarketWatch | Financial News Website | News Corp | Real-time markets and economy news portal |
| Dow Jones Newswires | Newswire Service | News Corp | Provides real-time financial data and updates for institutions |
| Factiva | Business Intelligence Tool | News Corp | Aggregates media and corporate data for research and monitoring |
| The Sun | Tabloid Newspaper | News UK (News Corp) | Popular UK tabloid with online and print presence |
| The Times | Newspaper (Broadsheet) | News UK (News Corp) | Reputable UK paper known for political and international coverage |
| The Sunday Times | Sunday Newspaper | News UK (News Corp) | Long-form journalism and investigative reporting |
| talkTV | News and Commentary Channel | News UK (News Corp) | UK-based opinion and live political coverage |
| Times Radio | Digital Talk Radio | News UK (News Corp) | UK station offering interviews, news, and political discussion |
| The Australian | National Newspaper | News Corp Australia | Leading national daily in Australia |
| Herald Sun | Regional Newspaper | News Corp Australia | Top Melbourne-based newspaper |
| The Daily Telegraph | Regional Newspaper | News Corp Australia | Sydney’s major conservative paper |
| The Courier-Mail | Regional Newspaper | News Corp Australia | Brisbane-based daily publication |
| The Advertiser | Regional Newspaper | News Corp Australia | Leading paper in Adelaide |
| News.com.au | Digital News Platform | News Corp Australia | Popular national news site offering lifestyle, current affairs, and entertainment |
| HarperCollins Publishers | Book Publishing House | News Corp | Publishes fiction, nonfiction, academic, and children’s books under multiple imprints |
| Move, Inc. (Realtor.com) | Online Real Estate Portal | News Corp | One of the top U.S. property search platforms and housing data providers |
| Storyful | Social Media Intelligence Agency | News Corp | Verifies online content and tracks digital misinformation and trends |
Fox Corporation
Fox Corporation is focused on broadcast television, cable news, sports, and digital streaming. It was formed in 2019 after the Disney acquisition of most of 21st Century Fox assets. The Murdoch family controls Fox Corporation via the Murdoch Family Trust.
Fox News
Fox News is the most influential conservative news channel in the United States. It includes:
- Fox News Channel: A 24-hour cable news channel dominating cable ratings.
- Fox News Digital: The online arm covering breaking news, opinion, and livestreams.
- Fox Nation: A subscription-based streaming service offering original shows, documentaries, and commentary programs tailored to Fox News’ audience.
- Fox Weather: A 24/7 digital weather service launched to expand Fox’s presence in non-political coverage.
Fox Broadcasting Company
Also known as the Fox Network, this is one of the major U.S. broadcast television networks. It airs scripted dramas, comedies, reality shows, and major sporting events. Notable franchises include The Simpsons, Family Guy, 9-1-1, and Hell’s Kitchen. It operates independently and licenses content from various studios.
Fox Television Stations
Fox Television Stations Group owns and operates 29 local TV stations in major U.S. cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. These stations serve as affiliates for the Fox network and provide local news, syndicated content, and regional sports coverage.
Fox Sports
Fox Sports manages sports broadcasting across multiple platforms. It includes:
- Fox Sports 1 (FS1): A national cable channel covering college football, MLB, NASCAR, and more.
- Fox Sports 2 (FS2): A complementary channel for additional games and sports commentary.
- Fox Deportes: Spanish-language sports channel focused on soccer, MLB, and NFL coverage.
- Fox Sports Digital: Includes the Fox Sports app and website with live games, scores, and analysis.
Fox Sports has long-term deals with the NFL, MLB, college football, and FIFA World Cup.
Tubi
Tubi is a free, ad-supported streaming service owned directly by Fox Corporation. It offers over 50,000 movies and TV shows, as well as live TV channels. In 2025, Tubi continues to grow with its own original content, including documentaries, thrillers, and animated series.
Fox Entertainment
Fox Entertainment produces scripted and unscripted programming for Fox Broadcasting and Tubi. It includes:
- Bento Box Entertainment: The animation studio behind Bob’s Burgers and The Great North.
- Studio Ramsay Global: Gordon Ramsay’s production company, known for MasterChef and Hell’s Kitchen.
- Fox Alternative Entertainment: Creates reality and unscripted content, including The Masked Singer.
News Corp
News Corp focuses on newspapers, book publishing, and digital real estate platforms. It operates in the U.S., UK, and Australia, and holds some of the most iconic legacy media brands. Murdoch’s family maintains a controlling interest via the Murdoch Family Trust.
Dow Jones & Company
Dow Jones is the financial publishing arm of News Corp. It includes:
- The Wall Street Journal: A leading business newspaper with a global readership. It operates both print and digital editions.
- Barron’s: A respected financial magazine targeting investors and wealth managers.
- MarketWatch: A real-time financial news and data platform.
- Factiva: A business intelligence and media monitoring tool.
- Dow Jones Newswires: Provides up-to-the-minute financial and market news to institutions and brokers.
News UK
News UK is News Corp’s British media division. It publishes several top newspapers and operates digital platforms:
- The Sun: A tabloid newspaper with high circulation and a popular digital edition.
- The Times: A historic British broadsheet with serious reporting and editorial.
- The Sunday Times: Weekend edition known for in-depth features and investigative journalism.
- talkTV: A UK-based television channel that provides political commentary and live coverage, often featuring personalities from News UK publications.
- Times Radio: A digital radio station offering news, interviews, and current affairs discussions.
News Corp Australia
News Corp’s Australian arm owns dozens of newspapers, digital media assets, and local news websites. It includes:
- The Australian: A national newspaper focused on business, policy, and politics.
- Herald Sun (Melbourne), The Daily Telegraph (Sydney), The Courier-Mail (Brisbane), and The Advertiser (Adelaide): These are leading regional papers.
- News.com.au: One of Australia’s most visited news websites offering breaking news, lifestyle, and entertainment.
- Foxtel Group (minor stake): Although not majority-owned, News Corp holds a minority stake in this pay-TV and streaming company alongside Telstra.
HarperCollins Publishers
HarperCollins is one of the world’s largest English-language book publishers. It has numerous imprints and publishes thousands of titles annually. Some of its brands include:
- Harper, William Morrow, Avon, Amistad, Thomas Nelson, and Zondervan.
- Publishes across all genres: fiction, non-fiction, children’s books, religious texts, and educational materials.
- Global presence with divisions in the U.S., UK, Canada, India, and Australia.
Move, Inc. (Realtor.com)
Move, Inc. is the operator of Realtor.com, one of the top real estate search portals in the U.S. It provides home listings, market data, mortgage tools, and real estate news. Realtor.com competes with Zillow and Redfin but is positioned as a more accurate MLS-based platform.
Storyful
Storyful is a social media intelligence and content curation company. It helps verify breaking news videos, user-generated content, and viral trends for newsrooms and brands. It also provides misinformation detection and analytics for governments and corporations.
News America Marketing (formerly)
While News Corp divested most of this business, it historically included in-store promotions and coupon marketing. The company no longer owns it as of 2025, but it was once a notable part of the portfolio.
Other Business Ventures and Past Holdings
Over the years, Rupert Murdoch’s companies have owned or invested in several now-divested brands:
- 20th Century Fox (sold to Disney in 2019)
- Sky (sold to Comcast in 2018)
- Myspace (acquired in 2005, sold in 2011)
- IGN Entertainment, Rotten Tomatoes, and Hulu stake (all divested prior to 2019)
While these are no longer part of his empire, they played a role in shaping his digital and entertainment strategy.
Rupert Murdoch Net Worth
As of July 2025, Rupert Murdoch’s net worth is estimated at $24.1 billion, placing him among the wealthiest individuals in global media. His fortune is largely derived from decades of investments and control over media empires through Fox Corporation and News Corp.
Despite selling large portions of 21st Century Fox to Disney in 2019, Murdoch retained highly profitable and strategically valuable assets, which continue to generate massive returns.
Here is Rupert Murdoch’s estimated net worth over the last 10 years from 2015 to 2025:
| Year | Estimated Net Worth (USD) | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | $13.2 billion | Strong performance from 21st Century Fox and global newspaper holdings |
| 2016 | $13.6 billion | Growth in cable news and early digital investments |
| 2017 | $14.8 billion | Market rise; Fox News dominates cable ratings |
| 2018 | $17.5 billion | Disney’s $71.3B acquisition of 21st Century Fox announced |
| 2019 | $18.7 billion | Completion of Disney deal; launch of Fox Corporation |
| 2020 | $19.0 billion | Gains from Tubi acquisition and Fox News resilience during election year |
| 2021 | $19.3 billion | Steady profits from publishing and cable, increased digital ad revenue |
| 2022 | $19.7 billion | Realtor.com and HarperCollins show strong year-over-year growth |
| 2023 | $20.1 billion | Stable stock performance and high Fox News revenue |
| 2025 | $24.1 billion | Continued growth in digital platforms (Tubi, Realtor.com), consistent dividends |
Breakdown of Net Worth
Rupert Murdoch’s wealth comes from multiple streams, including stock holdings, dividends, real estate, and long-term investments. His position in the media industry has remained stable due to the continued dominance of Fox News, growing digital platforms like Tubi and Realtor.com, and valuable publishing assets such as The Wall Street Journal.
1. Fox Corporation Holdings
The Murdoch Family Trust owns a significant stake in Fox Corporation through a dual-class share structure, giving the family control despite not owning a majority of common stock.
- Estimated value from Fox Corporation (2025): $9 billion
- Fox News remains the highest-earning division, contributing heavily to the corporation’s profits.
- Tubi’s ad revenue and expanding viewer base also play a growing role in Fox’s valuation.
2. News Corp Holdings
News Corp owns numerous valuable publishing, real estate, and media intelligence brands. Rupert Murdoch controls the company through voting shares held by the family trust.
- Estimated value from News Corp (2025): $6.5 billion
- Key revenue sources include:
- The Wall Street Journal subscription and advertising
- Realtor.com, which has gained increased market share in the U.S.
- HarperCollins Publishers, which continues to profit from bestselling titles and educational books
3. Private Real Estate and Personal Assets
Murdoch’s real estate portfolio is vast and luxurious, spread across several continents. These properties are personally owned or held through trusts and private companies.
- Estimated real estate value (2025): $1.2 billion
- Notable properties include:
- A ranch in Montana
- A vineyard estate in Bel-Air, California
- A sprawling apartment in New York
- Properties in the UK and Australia
4. Cash, Investments, and Dividends
Murdoch has accumulated substantial wealth from decades of dividend income and capital gains. His companies have regularly paid out high dividends due to their cash flow strength.
- Estimated cash and other investments (2025): $3.8 billion
- Includes stakes in private funds, equities, and non-media investments.
Succession and Wealth Transition
Much of Rupert Murdoch’s fortune is controlled through the Murdoch Family Trust, which also sets the terms of future ownership. While Lachlan Murdoch currently leads Fox Corporation, questions remain about the eventual distribution of assets among his six children. The trust’s structure ensures that Rupert Murdoch still maintains significant influence, even after stepping down from daily operations in some of his companies.
Final Words
Rupert Murdoch has built and maintained one of the most powerful media empires in modern history. From newspapers to broadcast networks, he has shaped the way people consume news and entertainment across continents. While his companies have evolved, merged, and restructured, they remain dominant in their respective sectors. For anyone wondering what companies Rupert Murdoch owns, the answer spans both old-world media like newspapers and new digital platforms like Tubi and Realtor.com.
FAQs
Who is the real owner of Fox News?
Fox News is owned by Fox Corporation, which is publicly traded. However, the Murdoch family controls the company through the Murdoch Family Trust, giving them significant voting power and effective control over the network’s direction and leadership. Rupert Murdoch’s son, Lachlan Murdoch, is currently the Executive Chairman and CEO of Fox Corporation.
What is Murdoch known for?
Rupert Murdoch is known for building one of the largest and most influential media empires in the world. He is recognized for owning and operating powerful media outlets across television, newspapers, publishing, and digital platforms. He is also widely associated with conservative media, tabloid journalism, and political influence through outlets like Fox News and The Sun.
How rich is the Murdoch family?
As of 2025, the Murdoch family’s combined wealth is estimated to exceed $20 billion. This includes Rupert Murdoch’s personal net worth and the assets managed by the Murdoch Family Trust, which holds voting control in both Fox Corporation and News Corp. Several of his children have received shares or trust interests.
How much did Prince Harry get from Murdoch?
As of 2025, Prince Harry did not receive a public financial settlement directly from Rupert Murdoch or his companies. However, News Group Newspapers (a subsidiary of News Corp UK) has faced multiple lawsuits involving phone hacking allegations, including cases involving Prince Harry. Some settlements have been confidential or pending court decisions, but no exact amount tied to Murdoch personally has been confirmed.
How many wives has Murdoch had?
Rupert Murdoch has been married four times:
- Patricia Booker (1956–1967)
- Anna Torv (1967–1999)
- Wendi Deng (1999–2013)
- Jerry Hall (2016–2022).
As of mid-2025, he is not publicly married.
Who are the Rupert Murdoch children?
Rupert Murdoch has six children:
- Prudence Murdoch (with Patricia Booker)
- Elisabeth Murdoch (with Anna Torv)
- Lachlan Murdoch (with Anna Torv) – Executive Chairman & CEO of Fox Corporation
- James Murdoch (with Anna Torv) – Former CEO of 21st Century Fox; has distanced himself from family media holdings
- Grace Murdoch (with Wendi Deng)
- Chloe Murdoch (with Wendi Deng).
Does Rupert Murdoch own CNN?
No, Rupert Murdoch does not own CNN. CNN is owned by Warner Bros. Discovery, not Fox Corporation or News Corp. Fox News, often seen as CNN’s political and ideological rival, is owned by Murdoch.
Where does Rupert Murdoch live?
As of 2025, Rupert Murdoch divides his time between multiple residences. His known properties include:
- A ranch in Montana
- A vineyard estate in Bel-Air, California
- A residence in New York City
- Properties in the United Kingdom and Australia.
Does Rupert Murdoch own Fox News?
Yes, Rupert Murdoch effectively owns and controls Fox News through his family’s majority voting interest in Fox Corporation. His son, Lachlan Murdoch, currently runs the company as CEO, but Rupert remains involved through the Murdoch Family Trust.
Is Newsweek owned by Murdoch?
No, Newsweek is not owned by Rupert Murdoch.
Newsweek is currently owned by IBT Media (also known as Newsweek Media Group), which is not affiliated with Murdoch’s companies.
When were Rupert Murdoch’s organizations founded?
- News Corporation (original): Founded in 1980
- 21st Century Fox: Formed in 2013 after the News Corp split
- Fox Corporation: Established in 2019 after Disney acquired 21st Century Fox assets
- News Corp (new): Also formed in 2013, focused on publishing and digital real estate.
What are the major publications owned by Rupert Murdoch?
Major publications include:
- The Wall Street Journal
- The Times (UK)
- The Sunday Times (UK)
- The Sun (UK)
- The Australian
- The Daily Telegraph (Australia)
- The Herald Sun (Australia)
- The Courier-Mail (Australia)
- Barron’s
- MarketWatch.
What are the major news outlets owned by Murdoch?
Rupert Murdoch owns and operates several major news outlets through Fox Corporation and News Corp:
- Fox News Channel
- The Wall Street Journal
- The Sun
- The Times
- The Australian
- News.com.au
- The Daily Telegraph (AU)
- MarketWatch
- Times Radio
- talkTV.
What are the major newspapers owned by Rupert Murdoch?
Major newspapers under Murdoch’s control include:
- The Wall Street Journal (U.S.)
- The Sun (UK)
- The Times and The Sunday Times (UK)
- The Australian (Australia)
- The Daily Telegraph (Australia)
- The Herald Sun (Australia)
- The Courier-Mail (Australia)
- The Advertiser (Australia).
Does Rupert Murdoch still own The Wall Street Journal?
Yes, The Wall Street Journal is owned by Dow Jones & Company, a subsidiary of News Corp, which is controlled by the Murdoch family.
Does Rupert Murdoch own any digital companies?
Yes, he owns Tubi, Realtor.com, and Storyful, among others.
Who will inherit Rupert Murdoch’s companies?
The Murdoch Family Trust has voting control. Lachlan Murdoch is currently leading Fox Corporation, while other children have varied roles.
Is Rupert Murdoch retired?
He stepped down from some leadership roles but remains highly involved and influential, especially through his family trust.