Rupert Murdoch is the Executive Chairman of News Corp and Co-Chairman of Fox Corporation, two of the most recognized and influential media companies globally.
Mr. Murdoch has been the Executive Chairman of News Corp since 2013, following the separation of News Corporation into two distinct publicly traded companies, News Corp and 21st Century Fox. Prior to that, he served as Executive Chairman of 21st Century Fox from 2015 until the merger with The Walt Disney Company was completed in March 2019.
Mr. Murdoch's career in the media industry began in 1954 when he took control of News Limited, an Australian-based public corporation with a majority interest in the number-two daily newspaper in Adelaide, South Australia. Since the inception of News Corporation in 1979, Mr. Murdoch has served as CEO and Chairman, overseeing the expansion and development of the Company into an international media business.
In the 1960s, News Corporation acquired the Daily Mirror in Sydney and launched a national newspaper, The Australian. The Company ventured into the United Kingdom and purchased The Sun newspaper in 1969. In the 1980s, News Corporation purchased HarperCollins Publishers, a leading book publisher, and The Times and The Sunday Times, two prominent UK newspapers.
In the 1990s, News Corporation acquired Dow Jones & Company, including The Wall Street Journal, and Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, which produced numerous award-winning films, including the top-grossing films Titanic and Avatar. The Company also created the Fox Television Stations group, which launched the FOX Broadcasting Company and FOX Sports.
FOX became the leading television network in the U.S. for eight consecutive years, and News Corporation launched the FOX News Channel in 1996, which became the undisputed leader in 24-hour news service. The Company also established popular cable networks, including Fox Sports Network, FX, and the National Geographic Channels.
In 2012, News Corporation expanded its footprint in Australia through the acquisition of Consolidated Media Holdings, making it a majority shareholder of Foxtel/FOX SPORTS Australia and owner of Sky News Australia. The Company also owns a majority interest in digital real estate company REA Group and iProperty Group, which operates leading property portals in Asia.
Mr. Murdoch has been awarded the Companion of the Order of Australia (A.C.) for his services to the media and newspaper publishing. He and his family have made significant contributions to various educational, cultural, and medical charitable organizations globally.
