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September 12, 2026Short & citedBlog
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Money & Work • Media Mogul

Rupert Murdoch

Rupert Murdoch is an Australian-born American media mogul and newspaper publisher who founded News Corporation in 1979.

Updated September 12, 20261 min readCited sources

Rupert Murdoch is an Australian-born American media mogul who built a global empire spanning print, television, and digital assets. He stepped down from leadership roles at Fox and News Corp in 2023.

What it is

Rupert Murdoch founded News Corporation in 1979, growing it from Australian newspapers into a major international media conglomerate. His holdings have included prominent newspapers and television networks in Australia, the UK, and the US.

Why it matters

Murdoch has been one of the most influential and controversial figures in modern media, shaping political discourse and market dynamics. His retirement in 2023 marked the end of an era for Fox Corporation and News Corp.

Key details

Born March 11, 1931, in Melbourne, Australia, Murdoch studied at Oxford before entering the family business. He became a U.S. citizen in 1985 to meet broadcast ownership rules. He has three children and has been married three times.

In short

  • Founded News Corporation in 1979, building a global media empire.
  • Stepped down from Fox and News Corp leadership in 2023.
  • Influential and controversial figure in print and television media.
  • Australian-born, naturalized U.S. citizen in 1985.
Canadian angle

Murdoch's media empire has had international influence, including on Canadian media consumers through coverage and content circulation from Fox-related and newspaper brands, but he is not primarily a Canadian figure.

Quick questions

Who is Rupert Murdoch?
Rupert Murdoch is an Australian-born American media entrepreneur and newspaper publisher best known for founding News Corporation and building a major international media empire.
When was Rupert Murdoch born?
He was born on March 11, 1931, in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Did Rupert Murdoch retire?
He stepped down from his chairman roles at Fox Corp. and News Corp in 2023 and later retired from active leadership.

Sources

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Rupert-Murdoch
    Supports: Birth date and place, founding of News Corporation, corporate restructuring, and retirement from leadership in 2023.
  2. BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-14078128
    Supports: Overview of Murdoch's media influence, controversial reputation, and family/leadership context.
  3. Encyclopedia.com — https://www.encyclopedia.com/people/literature-and-arts/journalism-and-publishing-biographies/rupert-murdoch
    Supports: Career chronology, Australian newspaper expansion, U.S. citizenship, and major business milestones.
  4. National Portrait Gallery (Australia) — https://www.portrait.gov.au/people/rupert-murdoch-1931
    Supports: Early family background, Australian newspaper expansion, acquisition history, citizenship, and family details.