If there’s one name synonymous with media power, political influence, and high-stakes family drama, it’s Rupert Murdoch. The man is more than just a billionaire media tycoon—he’s a kingmaker. His empire spans continents, his influence has shaped governments, and his family? Well, let’s just say HBO’s Succession looks like a neighborhood tiff compared to the Machiavellian maneuvers in the House of Murdoch.
For nearly seven decades, Rupert Murdoch has dictated what people read, watched, and believed. He built a global empire that controls how millions of people consume news—from The Wall Street Journal to Fox News, The Sun to The Times of London.
But the question is: What happens when the king grows old and his heirs start fighting over the throne?
That’s where our story begins.
The Making of a Media Titan: Who is Rupert Murdoch?
Rupert Murdoch wasn’t born into power. He took it.
Born in Melbourne, Australia, in 1931, Keith Rupert Murdoch was the son of Sir Keith Murdoch, a respected journalist and newspaper owner. While young Rupert was born into privilege, his father’s media holdings were relatively modest—an Australian newspaper or two, nothing compared to the empire his son would build.
When Sir Keith died in 1952, a 21-year-old Rupert inherited a single newspaper, The News, in Adelaide. At that time, nobody—perhaps not even Rupert himself—could have imagined the scale of the empire he would build. Fueled by ambition, ruthless business acumen, and an uncanny ability to sense where media was heading, Murdoch started expanding aggressively.
He scooped up newspapers across Australia, then took his war chest to Britain, where he revolutionized the tabloid industry with The Sun and The Times of London.
His real power play, however, came when he invaded the United States.
- In 1976, he bought The New York Post, his first major US acquisition.
- In 1985, he became a US citizen (because only citizens could own TV networks).
- In 1986, he launched Fox News, the conservative behemoth that would redefine American politics.
By the time the 2000s rolled around, Rupert Murdoch was no longer just a businessman—he was a kingmaker.
His newspapers and TV networks had a direct hand in shaping elections. He played a role in Margaret Thatcher’s rise, boosted Tony Blair, and in the US, he was instrumental in Donald Trump’s presidency. In fact, there’s a scene in Succession, which pays heed to the myth that it’s Murdoch who picks the nominee of the Republican party.
Through decades of cutthroat deals, media acquisitions, and power plays, Rupert Murdoch built a $17 billion media empire that spanned the US, UK, and Australia.
But every empire faces a succession crisis. And Murdoch’s is one for the history books.
The Murdoch Empire: How Big is Big?
When people hear “Murdoch,” they often think of Fox News. But that’s only a fraction of the beast.
Murdoch’s empire is two-headed, split between News Corp and Fox Corporation, each controlling different parts of the global media landscape.
Fox Corporation (The Conservative Powerhouse)
- Fox News – The biggest conservative media outlet in the US, influencing Republican politics and culture.
- Fox Sports – A sports broadcasting giant.
- Fox Business – The right-wing answer to CNBC.
- Fox Television Stations – A network of TV channels across the US.
Fox News alone is a money-printing machine, generating billions in revenue and holding unparalleled sway over conservative politics.
News Corp (The Newspaper & Publishing Giant)
- The Wall Street Journal – One of the most influential financial newspapers in the world.
- The New York Post – The tabloid of choice for conservative New Yorkers.
- The Sun (UK) – The highest-selling British tabloid.
- The Times (UK) – One of Britain’s most prestigious newspapers.
- The Australian – The most powerful newspaper in Australia.
- HarperCollins – One of the world’s largest book publishers.
And let’s not forget Sky News Australia, which serves as the Australian equivalent of Fox News, wielding significant influence over Australian politics.
How Much is Murdoch Worth?
Rupert Murdoch’s personal net worth is estimated at $17 billion, but his real power isn’t in his bank account—it’s in his influence.
With control over multiple media companies, Murdoch has shaped public opinion, helped elect leaders, and dictated news narratives across the globe.
But with power comes enemies. And Murdoch’s biggest enemies aren’t politicians or business rivals.
They’re his own children.
The Murdoch Family: Meet the Heirs to the Throne
Murdoch has six children, but only four of them are key players in the succession war.
The Four Main Contenders
Lachlan Murdoch (52) – The Chosen One
- CEO of Fox Corporation.
- A staunch conservative, handpicked by Rupert to carry on his legacy.
- Runs Fox News and is considered the ideological heir to his father.
James Murdoch (50) – The Rebel
- The former CEO of 21st Century Fox before leaving the company.
- More liberal, critical of Fox News and its role in spreading misinformation.
- Wants to change the empire’s direction, potentially selling off parts of it.
Elisabeth Murdoch (55) – The Powerhouse
- A successful media executive in her own right.
- Once considered the heir but was sidelined.
- She could be the wildcard in the fight for control.
Prudence Murdoch (65) – The Neutral Player
- The eldest child but never involved in the business.
- Often seen as a peacekeeper in the family.
The Two Youngest Daughters
Grace Murdoch (24) & Chloe Murdoch (21)
Daughters from Rupert’s third marriage.
Have no power in the company but are part of the family trust.
At the heart of the Murdoch War is one burning question:
Will Rupert’s empire stay true to his conservative vision? Or will his heirs dismantle it after he’s gone?
And that’s where the real drama begins.
Coming Up in Part 2: The Battle for the Throne
The secret plan to strip three of Rupert’s children of power and lock in Lachlan as heir.
- How a covert boardroom coup triggered a brutal
legal war. - The billion-dollar battle over the Murdoch family trust.
Murdoch’s empire isn’t just about money—it’s about ideology, power, and legacy. And now, it’s become a civil war.
Stay tuned.