Rupert Murdoch
United States / Australia
Net Worth
$24B
Source of Wealth
News Corp/Fox
Global Rank
#51 of 100
About Rupert Murdoch
Rupert Murdoch is one of the most influential media moguls in modern history, having built a global empire that spans newspapers, television networks, film studios, and digital platforms across six continents. Born in Melbourne, Australia in 1931, Murdoch inherited a single newspaper from his father and transformed it into News Corporation, one of the largest and most diversified media conglomerates the world has ever seen. His ability to identify undervalued media assets and unlock their potential has been unmatched in the industry.
Murdoch's vision for media was always global in scope. He expanded from Australia into the United Kingdom with the acquisition of The Sun and The Times, then crossed the Atlantic to acquire 20th Century Fox and launch Fox Broadcasting Company in the United States. The launch of Fox News Channel in 1996 demonstrated his extraordinary instinct for identifying unserved audiences, as the network grew to become the most-watched cable news channel in America for over two decades.
His entrepreneurial drive has remained constant across seven decades of business. Murdoch pioneered satellite television in Europe and Asia, brought the NFL to Fox, and consistently stayed ahead of industry shifts. His willingness to make bold bets when others hesitated — and his tenacity in seeing them through — has cemented his legacy as one of the greatest media entrepreneurs of all time.
Key Achievements
Built a Global Media Empire
Transformed a single inherited Australian newspaper into News Corporation, spanning newspapers, TV networks, film studios, and digital platforms across six continents.
Launched Fox Broadcasting Company
Created the fourth major U.S. broadcast television network in 1986, breaking a decades-long oligopoly held by ABC, CBS, and NBC — a feat many considered impossible.
Pioneered Cable News Innovation
Founded Fox News Channel in 1996, which grew to become the most-watched cable news network in the United States for over 20 consecutive years.
Revolutionized Satellite Television
Launched BSkyB in Europe and Star TV in Asia, bringing satellite television to hundreds of millions of new viewers worldwide and proving the viability of pay-TV models.
Secured Major Sports Broadcasting Rights
Won the NFL broadcasting rights for Fox in 1993, instantly legitimizing the fledgling network and changing the landscape of sports media forever.
Notable Quotes
“The world is changing very fast. Big will not beat small anymore. It will be the fast beating the slow.”
— Rupert Murdoch
“In motivating people, you've got to engage their minds and their hearts. I motivate people, I hope, by example — and perhaps by excitement, by having productive ideas to make others feel involved.”
— Rupert Murdoch
“Money is not the motivating force. It's nice to have money, but I don't live high. What I enjoy is running the business.”
— Rupert Murdoch
Key Decisions
Acquired the News of the World and The Sun in the UK, establishing his first international media foothold and beginning his transformation into a global media titan.
Purchased 20th Century Fox and Metromedia television stations, giving him the foundation to launch the Fox Broadcasting Company as America's fourth broadcast network.
Outbid CBS for NFL broadcasting rights with a stunning $1.58 billion offer, a bold move that transformed Fox from an upstart into a legitimate major network.
Founded Fox News Channel with Roger Ailes, identifying and serving a massive underserved audience that made the network the most-watched cable news channel in the U.S.
Sold most of 21st Century Fox's entertainment assets to The Walt Disney Company for $71.3 billion, demonstrating masterful timing and maximizing shareholder value at the peak of traditional media valuations.
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