who owns wall street journal

Who Owns Wall Street Journal: Ownership Insights

The Wall Street Journal is one of the most respected names in business journalism. Many readers often wonder who owns Wall Street Journal and what entities control its editorial and financial direction. Let’s explore its history, ownership structure, leadership, revenue, and affiliated companies.

Table of Contents

The Wall Street Journal Profile

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) is a leading American business-focused newspaper known for its in-depth coverage of financial markets, corporate affairs, technology, and global news. It has been one of the most trusted names in financial journalism for over a century. The publication is available both in print and digitally, with a strong subscription model that supports its operations.

As of 2025, The Wall Street Journal remains one of the most widely circulated newspapers in the United States. It has over 4.2 million total subscribers, including 3.8 million digital-only subscribers. The Journal maintains a reputation for reliable, data-driven reporting and is often cited by business leaders, policymakers, and academics.

Company Details

  • Official Name: The Wall Street Journal
  • Type: Subsidiary of Dow Jones & Company
  • Parent Company: News Corp
  • Industry: News and Publishing
  • Headquarters: 1211 Avenue of the Americas, New York City, New York, USA
  • Language: English
  • Circulation: 4.2+ million (2025)
  • Digital Subscribers: Approx. 3.8 million
  • Editor-in-Chief (2025): Emma Tucker
  • Publisher: Almar Latour (CEO of Dow Jones).

The Wall Street Journal offers several editions, including U.S., Asia, and Europe. It also produces WSJ Magazine, podcasts, video content, newsletters, and live events under the WSJ Live and WSJ Tech Live brands.

Founders of The Wall Street Journal

The Wall Street Journal was founded on July 8, 1889, by three men:

  • Charles H. Dow
  • Edward Jones
  • Charles M. Bergstresser

Together, they formed Dow Jones & Company, which initially focused on financial bulletins for traders and investors on Wall Street. Their mission was to provide honest, accurate financial news at a time when such information was often unreliable or manipulated. Charles Dow is also credited with developing the Dow Jones Industrial Average, a stock market index that still serves as a benchmark today.

Major Milestones

1889Founding of The Wall Street Journal. It started as a four-page afternoon paper with financial news summaries.

1896Launch of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, still a key financial index globally.

1902 – Dow Jones & Company sold to Clarence Barron, a prominent journalist who expanded the paper’s reach and credibility.

1941–1946 – During World War II, WSJ’s reputation grew as it provided accurate economic coverage in uncertain times.

1970s–1980s – WSJ launched its Asia and Europe editions, expanding globally.

1996 – Launch of WSJ.com, one of the first newspapers to charge for digital content.

2007 – Acquired by News Corporation for $5 billion. The deal was led by Rupert Murdoch and marked one of the largest media takeovers in history.

2019 – WSJ wins the Pulitzer Prize for National Reporting for its investigation into hush-money payments involving Donald Trump.

2020–2025 – Rapid growth in digital subscriptions, as WSJ adapts to mobile-first audiences, podcasts, and video journalism.

2023Emma Tucker becomes the first female editor-in-chief of WSJ, marking a shift toward digital storytelling and multimedia engagement.

2024–2025 – WSJ enhances its AI-assisted journalism, launches interactive market dashboards, and expands coverage in climate finance and tech regulation.

Who Owns Wall Street Journal?

Who Owns WSJ: Top shareholders

The Wall Street Journal is owned by News Corp, one of the largest media and publishing conglomerates in the world. News Corp owns the Journal through its subsidiary Dow Jones & Company, which also manages other well-known financial news brands like Barron’s, MarketWatch, and Financial News.

Although the company is publicly traded, real control of News Corp—and by extension, The Wall Street Journal—rests with the Murdoch family, particularly through the Murdoch Family Trust. This is possible due to News Corp’s dual-class share structure, which grants the family special voting rights.

Dual-Class Share Structure

News Corp operates under a dual-class share system:

  • Class A shares (NWSA): Publicly traded with one vote per share.
  • Class B shares (NWS): Not widely traded, but carry ten votes per share.

The Murdoch Family Trust holds a dominant position in Class B shares, giving the family nearly 40.49% of the voting power while owning around 14% of the economic interest. This structure ensures that, despite minority financial ownership, the family retains majority control of the company’s decisions.

Acquisition Insights: The 2007 Takeover by Rupert Murdoch

One of the most defining moments in the Journal’s history was its 2007 acquisition by Rupert Murdoch’s News Corporation.

In a high-profile and controversial deal, News Corp purchased Dow Jones & Company for $5 billion, taking ownership of The Wall Street Journal. At the time, the Bancroft family—who had owned Dow Jones for over a century—was the majority shareholder.

Despite initial resistance from both the Bancrofts and members of the Journal’s newsroom, the deal went through. Rupert Murdoch promised to preserve the editorial independence of the paper, although many feared it could lead to a shift in tone or news priorities.

Following the acquisition, the Journal underwent a number of changes, including broader news coverage beyond finance and increased focus on digital expansion. Murdoch’s influence brought modernization to the publication while maintaining its business credibility.

Parent Company: News Corp

News Corp was formed in 2013 when the original News Corporation split into two entities:

  1. News Corp (publishing and real estate)
  2. 21st Century Fox (TV and film, later sold to Disney)

News Corp now serves as the parent company of several publishing and data businesses, including Dow Jones & Company. It is headquartered in New York City, and Rupert Murdoch serves as Chairman Emeritus, with his son Lachlan Murdoch as Executive Chair.

Key segments of News Corp include:

  • Dow Jones & Company (business and financial news)
  • News UK (publishing division in the UK including The Times)
  • News Corp Australia (media and newspaper outlets in Australia)
  • HarperCollins (global book publishing)
  • REA Group (digital real estate services)

News Corp’s focus remains on publishing, information services, and real estate technology.

Subsidiary: Dow Jones & Company

Dow Jones & Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of News Corp and the direct publisher of the Wall Street Journal. It was founded in 1882 and acquired by News Corp in 2007 for approximately $5 billion.

It is headquartered in New York City and operates several financial media and data services, including:

  • The Wall Street Journal
  • Barron’s
  • MarketWatch
  • Factiva
  • Financial News
  • Risk & Compliance Division.

Dow Jones operates with a high degree of editorial autonomy, even though it is owned by a larger corporate entity. It has its own executive team, including the CEO (currently Almar Latour) and Editor-in-Chief (currently Emma Tucker).

Internal Structure

Dow Jones is organized into several business units:

  • Consumer Media (Wall Street Journal, Barron’s, MarketWatch)
  • Professional Information Business (Factiva, Risk & Compliance, B2B data)
  • Live Journalism and Events

Each unit generates revenue from subscriptions, licensing, events, and advertising.

Relationship Between News Corp and Dow Jones

News Corp does not interfere in the day-to-day journalism of the Wall Street Journal, although it does shape the strategic and financial direction of Dow Jones. The Murdoch family, through its voting power, can influence:

  • Board member appointments
  • Executive hiring
  • Mergers or acquisitions

However, editorial independence is protected through internal guidelines and an editorial board structure within Dow Jones.

Who is the CEO of the Wall Street Journal?

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) is published by Dow Jones & Company, a subsidiary of News Corp. As of July 2025, the leadership of the WSJ is spearheaded by Almar Latour as CEO of Dow Jones and Emma Tucker as Editor-in-Chief of the WSJ.​

Almar Latour: CEO of Dow Jones & Publisher of The Wall Street Journal

Almar Latour was appointed CEO of Dow Jones and Publisher of The Wall Street Journal in May 2020. Under his leadership, Dow Jones has achieved significant milestones, including doubling its digital news subscriptions over four years and expanding its business information services.

Latour has emphasized the importance of trusted journalism and has been actively involved in advocating for press freedom, notably campaigning for the release of WSJ reporter Evan Gershkovich from Russian detention.

Latour’s career with Dow Jones spans various roles, including reporter, bureau chief, and executive editor. He has been instrumental in modernizing WSJ’s digital presence and expanding its international reach, particularly in Asia.

Emma Tucker: Editor-in-Chief of The Wall Street Journal

Emma Tucker became the first female Editor-in-Chief of The Wall Street Journal in February 2023. Prior to this role, she served as editor of The Sunday Times in the UK, where she successfully increased digital subscriptions and broadened the publication’s audience.

At the WSJ, Tucker has implemented a “reader-first” strategy, focusing on dynamic and high-impact journalism to attract a younger and more diverse audience. Her tenure has seen significant editorial restructuring aimed at enhancing the newsroom’s distinctiveness and relevance in a rapidly evolving media landscape.

Who Controls The Wall Street Journal?

Although The Wall Street Journal is owned by a public company—News Corp—the real power and control rest with the Murdoch family. This is made possible through a dual-class share structure that gives the family disproportionate voting rights compared to their economic ownership.

At the center of this control is the Murdoch Family Trust, which holds the majority of Class B shares in News Corp. These shares carry full voting rights, unlike the Class A shares held by most public investors. This allows the family to effectively control the company’s board decisions, executive appointments, and long-term strategic direction—including those of Dow Jones & Company, the direct publisher of The Wall Street Journal.

Governance Structure: Board of Directors and Voting Power

The Wall Street Journal’s governance is rooted in the corporate structure of News Corp, its parent company. The Board of Directors of News Corp oversees major decisions, including acquisitions, CEO appointments, and corporate strategy.

As of 2025, the Murdoch Family Trust controls approximately 39% of the voting power in News Corp due to its Class B shares. While this does not represent a majority stake in economic terms, it gives the family effective control over all shareholder decisions that require a vote.

The board itself includes members with long-standing ties to the Murdochs. This includes Rupert Murdoch and Lachlan Murdoch, as well as other independent directors. However, due to their voting power, the Murdoch family has the final say in all significant matters.

Role of Executive Leadership

While editorial decisions are managed independently by The Wall Street Journal’s leadership—such as Almar Latour (CEO of Dow Jones & Company) and Emma Tucker (Editor-in-Chief)—these executives are appointed and overseen by News Corp’s top management, particularly Robert Thomson, the CEO of News Corp.

Thomson, in turn, operates under the guidance of the Murdoch-led board. This creates a top-down control structure where the Murdochs indirectly influence the Journal’s direction through their control of senior leadership.

Though WSJ maintains strong editorial standards and has a professional newsroom, the overall control over business operations, budget allocation, strategic initiatives, and resource distribution comes from the corporate level.

Editorial Independence vs. Corporate Oversight

The Wall Street Journal, like many reputable newspapers, maintains a clear separation between its newsroom and corporate management. The paper has long emphasized editorial independence, particularly since the 2007 acquisition by News Corp raised concerns over potential influence from Rupert Murdoch.

In response to these concerns, an editorial oversight committee—known as the Special Committee—was formed after the acquisition. It was designed to monitor and protect the paper’s editorial integrity. However, in practice, the influence of ownership on strategic and editorial directions remains a topic of public and journalistic interest.

Annual Revenue and Net Worth of the Wall Street Journal

The Wall Street Journal stands as one of the most financially successful newspapers in the world. With estimated annual revenue above $1.6 billion and a brand valuation exceeding $6.5 billion, WSJ continues to thrive in the digital age. Its profitability, loyal subscriber base, and diversified revenue model contribute to its enduring financial strength—even as much of the legacy media industry faces economic challenges.

The Wall Street Journal Annual Revenue and Net Worth (2016-25)

The Wall Street Journal’s Revenue in 2025

The Wall Street Journal is published by Dow Jones & Company, which is a separate business unit within News Corp. While News Corp consolidates Dow Jones’s results, the financials of Dow Jones are broken out as a reporting segment in public filings, offering visibility into WSJ’s specific performance.

As of fiscal year 2025, Dow Jones & Company generated approximately $2.46 billion in annual revenue, a record high for the unit. The Wall Street Journal remains the flagship brand, contributing the largest share of that revenue. Analysts estimate that WSJ alone generates between $1.4 billion and $1.6 billion annually, depending on advertising cycles and subscription growth.

Revenue sources for The Wall Street Journal are divided primarily into three categories:

  • Digital subscriptions, which account for nearly 75% of total revenue.
  • Print subscriptions and sales, which have steadily declined but still contribute a meaningful amount.
  • Advertising and sponsorships, particularly in premium business and luxury segments.

By mid-2025, the Journal had over 4.2 million total subscribers, with approximately 3.8 million digital-only subscribers, reflecting strong growth in digital revenue. In recent years, the Journal has also increased revenue through corporate licensing, syndication, data services, and branded content partnerships.

The Wall Street Journal’s Net Worth

The net worth of The Wall Street Journal, though not broken out separately in public filings, can be reasonably estimated based on the value of its assets, brand equity, and operating income. In 2025, Dow Jones had an operating profit of over $475 million, much of which is attributable to WSJ’s performance.

Market analysts often assign standalone valuations to media brands based on multiples of EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization). Applying a conservative industry multiple of 8x to 10x on estimated earnings, The Wall Street Journal’s standalone valuation is estimated to be between $5 billion and $6.5 billion as of July 2025.

This estimate factors in:

  • Proprietary data platforms and business services it feeds (such as WSJ Pro and WSJ Risk & Compliance)
  • The strength of the WSJ brand
  • Its robust subscriber base
  • High-value advertiser relationships
  • Profitability and cash flow.

Here’s an overview of the WSJ’s historical revenue and net worth:

YearEstimated WSJ RevenueEstimated WSJ Net Worth
2025$1.45 – $1.60 B$5.0 – $6.5 B
2024$1.38 – $1.50 B$4.8 – $6.2 B
2023$1.32 – $1.45 B$4.5 – $6.0 B
2022$1.25 – $1.35 B$4.2 – $5.6 B
2021$1.12 – $1.22 B$3.9 – $5.3 B
2020$1.05 – $1.15 B$3.6 – $5.0 B
2019$1.08 – $1.10 B$3.7 – $4.8 B
2018$1.00 – $1.05 B$3.4 – $4.5 B
2017$0.92 – $1.00 B$3.2 – $4.2 B
2016$0.85 – $0.95 B$3.0 – $4.0 B

Brands Owned by Wall Street Journal

​The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) encompasses a diverse portfolio of specialized brands and editorial verticals, each tailored to serve distinct segments of its readership. These sub-brands enhance the WSJ’s core mission of delivering authoritative journalism in business, finance, culture, and lifestyle.

Below is an overview of the key brands under the WSJ as of 2025:​

Brand NameDescriptionKey FeaturesAudience
WSJ MagazineA luxury lifestyle magazine published as part of WSJ’s weekend edition.Covers fashion, art, design, travel, and culture. Includes the Innovator Awards.Affluent readers interested in luxury and lifestyle topics.
WSJ OpinionThe editorial section of WSJ, known for conservative viewpoints and commentary.Includes editorials, op-eds, and columns on politics, economics, and culture.Professionals, policymakers, and those interested in opinion-based journalism.
WSJ Noted.A digital magazine aimed at younger audiences (18-34 years old).Focuses on news, culture, and issues relevant to younger generations.Millennial and Gen Z readers.
WSJ On CampusA platform targeting college students, covering admissions and campus life.Includes student-generated content and live webcasts with university officials.College students and prospective students.
Buy Side from WSJAn independent commerce site offering product reviews and recommendations.Features product recommendations like “Pro Picks” and “One Great Thing.”Online shoppers and consumers.
The Journal. (Podcast)A daily news podcast produced by WSJ and Spotify.In-depth reporting on business, politics, and technology. 15-25 minute episodes.Busy professionals and podcast listeners.
WSJ MansionA feature focusing on luxury real estate, published on Fridays.Highlights high-end properties, market trends, and architectural innovations.Real estate enthusiasts and investors.
WSJ ReviewA weekend section featuring essays and commentary on literature, culture, and ideas.Provides thoughtful analysis and reviews from various contributors.Culture and literature enthusiasts.

WSJ Magazine

Launched in 2008, WSJ Magazine is a luxury lifestyle publication distributed as part of the WSJ’s weekend edition. It covers topics such as fashion, art, design, travel, and culture, appealing to an affluent readership. The magazine is published eight times a year and is also available digitally. Notable features include the annual Innovator Awards, which honor influential figures across various industries.

WSJ Opinion

WSJ Opinion is the editorial section of The Wall Street Journal, known for its conservative viewpoints and influential commentary. It includes editorials, op-eds, and columns from prominent writers, offering perspectives on politics, economics, and culture. Regular features include “Potomac Watch” by Kimberley Strassel and “Business World” by Holman W. Jenkins Jr.

WSJ Noted.

Introduced in 2020, WSJ Noted. is a digital magazine aimed at readers aged 18–34. It focuses on news and culture, with content curated by a group of young adults who provide feedback and engage with the editorial team. The initiative seeks to attract a younger demographic to the WSJ’s offerings.

WSJ On Campus

WSJ On Campus is a collaborative platform between The Wall Street Journal and Unigo, targeting college students. It combines professional journalism with student-generated content to explore topics related to college admissions and campus life. The platform also hosts live webcasts featuring interviews with university admissions officials.

Buy Side from WSJ

Launched in 2022, Buy Side from WSJ is an independent commerce site offering product reviews and recommendations. It features curated content such as “Pro Picks” and “One Great Thing,” providing readers with practical advice on consumer products. The editorial team operates separately from the WSJ newsroom to maintain objectivity.

The Journal. (Podcast)

The Journal. is a daily news podcast co-produced by The Wall Street Journal and Spotify. Hosted by WSJ reporters, it provides in-depth reporting on major news stories, covering topics like business, politics, and technology. Episodes are released every weekday and typically run for 15–25 minutes.

WSJ Mansion

WSJ Mansion is a Friday feature focusing on high-end real estate. It showcases luxury properties, market trends, and architectural innovations, catering to readers interested in upscale housing and investment opportunities.

WSJ Review

Published on Saturdays as part of the WSJ Weekend edition, WSJ Review offers essays, commentary, and reviews on a variety of topics, including literature, culture, and ideas. It provides readers with thoughtful analysis and critiques from a range of contributors. ​

Conclusion

The Wall Street Journal is owned by News Corp, a media conglomerate controlled by the Murdoch family. Through its trust and special voting shares, the family exercises significant control. The Journal continues to operate with editorial independence, led by professionals with decades of experience. Understanding who owns Wall Street Journal offers insight into how power and influence operate within modern media.

FAQs

Who is the current owner of The Wall Street Journal?

The current owner of The Wall Street Journal is News Corp, a global media and publishing company controlled by the Murdoch family through the Murdoch Family Trust. The paper is operated under Dow Jones & Company, a subsidiary of News Corp.

Who sold the WSJ to Murdoch?

The Bancroft family, who had controlled Dow Jones & Company (the publisher of The Wall Street Journal) for over a century, sold the company to Rupert Murdoch’s News Corporation in 2007.

Who founded WSJ?

The Wall Street Journal was founded by Charles H. Dow, Edward Jones, and Charles M. Bergstresser in 1889. These three men were also the founders of Dow Jones & Company, the publishing firm behind the Journal.

How much did The Wall Street Journal sell for?

Rupert Murdoch’s News Corporation purchased Dow Jones & Company, including The Wall Street Journal, for approximately $5 billion in 2007.

Does Rupert own the Wall Street Journal?

Rupert Murdoch does not personally own The Wall Street Journal outright, but he controls it through News Corp, the parent company, which is influenced by the Murdoch Family Trust. This trust holds a significant percentage of voting shares, giving the Murdoch family effective control.

Who is the publisher of The Wall Street Journal?

As of 2025, the Publisher of The Wall Street Journal is Almar Latour, who also serves as the CEO of Dow Jones & Company.

Who first published The Wall Street Journal?

The first edition of The Wall Street Journal was published on July 8, 1889, by Dow Jones & Company, which was founded by Charles Dow, Edward Jones, and Charles Bergstresser.

Does the Wall Street Journal own MarketWatch?

Yes, MarketWatch is owned and operated by Dow Jones & Company, the same company that publishes The Wall Street Journal. Both are part of the Dow Jones portfolio under News Corp.

Who owns the Wall Street Journal newspaper?

The Wall Street Journal is owned by News Corp and operated through its subsidiary, Dow Jones & Company. The Murdoch family, via the Murdoch Family Trust, has voting control over News Corp and therefore effectively owns and controls the newspaper.

Who is the largest shareholder of the Wall Street Journal?

The Murdoch Family Trust is the largest and most powerful shareholder. It controls over one-third of the voting power in News Corp.

Is the Wall Street Journal a public company?

No, the Wall Street Journal itself is not publicly traded. Its parent company, News Corp, is a publicly traded company listed on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol NWSA.

Does Rupert Murdoch still control the Wall Street Journal?

Yes. While Rupert Murdoch has stepped back from daily operations, he remains the Chairman Emeritus of News Corp. His family trust continues to control the company.

What is Dow Jones in relation to the Wall Street Journal?

Dow Jones & Company is the direct publisher of the Wall Street Journal. It is a subsidiary of News Corp and includes other financial media assets like Barron’s and MarketWatch.

How does the Wall Street Journal make money?

The Journal earns revenue through digital and print subscriptions, advertising, data services, and licensing content through platforms like Factiva.

Who is the new owner of The Wall Street Journal?

As of 2025, The Wall Street Journal is owned by Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp. Murdoch’s company acquired Dow Jones & Company, the publisher of the WSJ, in 2007 for $5.6 billion.

Is the WSJ left or right?

The Wall Street Journal is generally considered center-right in its editorial stance. While its news reporting is regarded as factual and balanced, its editorial section often reflects conservative viewpoints. However, some analyses have rated its overall bias as center.

Does Jeff Bezos own The Wall Street Journal?

No, Jeff Bezos does not own The Wall Street Journal. He purchased The Washington Post in 2013 for $250 million, but he has no ownership stake in the WSJ.

When did Rupert Murdoch buy The Wall Street Journal?

Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp acquired The Wall Street Journal’s publisher, Dow Jones & Company, in 2007 for $5.6 billion.

Who owns The Wall Street Journal and Fox News?

Both The Wall Street Journal and Fox News are owned by Rupert Murdoch’s media conglomerate. The WSJ is part of News Corp, while Fox News is under Fox Corporation, a separate entity also controlled by Murdoch.

Who bought The Wall Street Journal?

The Wall Street Journal was acquired by Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp in 2007 for $5.6 billion.