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.
History of the Wall Street Journal
The Wall Street Journal was founded on July 8, 1889, by Charles Dow, Edward Jones, and Charles Bergstresser. The paper started as a small financial news bulletin known as the “Customers’ Afternoon Letter.”
Over time, it transformed into a full-fledged newspaper covering business, finance, and later, global affairs.
In the 20th century, it became the flagship publication of Dow Jones & Company. The Journal gained prestige through its in-depth reporting and editorial integrity. It won its first Pulitzer Prize in 1947.
As technology evolved, the Journal expanded into digital publishing, maintaining a strong online presence through WSJ.com.
Who Owns Wall Street Journal?
The Wall Street Journal is not a standalone company. It is a product and brand operated under Dow Jones & Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of News Corporation (News Corp). News Corp is a publicly traded global media conglomerate listed on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbols NWSA and NWS.
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.
Parent Company: News Corp
News Corp was formed in 2013 when the original News Corporation split into two entities:
- News Corp (publishing and real estate)
- 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 in 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.
Summary of Corporate Structure
News Corp (Parent Company)
- Public company
- Controlled by Murdoch Family Trust
- Holds all shares of Dow Jones & Company
Dow Jones & Company (Subsidiary)
- 100% owned by News Corp
- Publishes the Wall Street Journal
- Operates related media and data platforms.
Who is the CEO of Wall Street Journal?
The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) is published by Dow Jones & Company, a subsidiary of News Corp. As of 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?
The Wall Street Journal is owned by News Corp, a publicly traded media conglomerate. The Murdoch Family Trust holds a significant voting power in News Corp, controlling approximately 40.49% of the voting rights despite owning around 14% of the economic interest.
This control is facilitated through a dual-class share structure, where Class B shares carry more voting rights than Class A shares. This structure has been a point of contention among investors, with proposals to eliminate it being rejected in recent years.
Annual Revenue of Wall Street Journal
As of August 2024, the WSJ reported a total of 4.25 million print and digital subscribers, reflecting an 11% increase in digital subscriptions from the previous year.
As of fiscal year 2024, News Corp reported a total revenue of $10.09 billion, marking a 2% increase from the previous year.
The Dow Jones segment, encompassing the WSJ, contributed significantly to this revenue, generating $2.23 billion, a 4% growth year-over-year. This growth was driven by the professional information business, particularly the Risk & Compliance and Dow Jones Energy divisions, which saw revenue increases of 16% and 11%, respectively.
In the first quarter of fiscal 2025, News Corp continued its upward trajectory, reporting revenues of $2.58 billion, a 3% increase compared to the prior year. Net income for the quarter was $144 million, a significant improvement from $58 million in the previous year.
Here’s an overview of the WSJ’s historical revenue:
| Fiscal Year | Estimated WSJ Revenue (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | $1.50 billion | Based on Dow Jones revenue of $1.58 billion; WSJ being the flagship publication likely contributed the majority. |
| 2016 | $1.52 billion | Slight increase due to growth in digital subscriptions. |
| 2017 | $1.48 billion | Dow Jones revenue reported at $1.479 billion; WSJ’s share estimated accordingly. |
| 2018 | $1.55 billion | Growth attributed to digital subscription gains and price increases. |
| 2019 | $1.56 billion | Dow Jones revenue at $1.559 billion; WSJ’s contribution estimated based on subscription growth. |
| 2020 | $1.60 billion | Increase driven by a 23% rise in digital-only subscriptions. |
| 2021 | $1.65 billion | Continued digital growth and higher content licensing revenues. |
| 2022 | $1.70 billion | Digital-only subscriptions reached 3.1 million; digital revenues represented 67% of circulation revenue. |
| 2023 | $1.75 billion | Sustained growth in digital subscriptions and professional information services. |
| 2024 | $1.80 billion | Digital-only subscriptions grew to 3.8 million; digital revenues accounted for 80% of total revenues. |
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 Name | Description | Key Features | Audience |
|---|---|---|---|
| WSJ Magazine | A 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 Opinion | The 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 Campus | A 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 WSJ | An 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 Mansion | A feature focusing on luxury real estate, published on Fridays. | Highlights high-end properties, market trends, and architectural innovations. | Real estate enthusiasts and investors. |
| WSJ Review | A 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 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 conglomerates. 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.