Rupert Murdoch (born Keith Rupert Murdoch, March 11, 1931) is an Australian-American former business magnate, investor, and media mogul who is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in global media for the past half-century[3]. After inheriting a small Australian newspaper from his father in 1952, Murdoch rapidly expanded his holdings, acquiring provincial and metropolitan newspapers across Australia and New Zealand, and pioneering the modern tabloid format with an emphasis on sports, scandal, and eye-catching headlines[3]. His aggressive acquisition strategy extended internationally, with purchases of iconic British newspapers such as The News of the World, The Sun, and The Times, as well as significant American media assets including the New York Post, 20th Century Fox, Fox News, and The Wall Street Journal[4]. Murdoch’s business approach combined relentless ambition, shrewd dealmaking, and a keen sense of public sentiment, enabling him to build a media empire—News Corp—that spans television, print, and digital platforms across multiple continents[2]. His outlets have been credited with shaping political discourse, particularly in the English-speaking world, and have often courted controversy for their editorial stances and coverage[4]. Murdoch’s influence extended beyond business into politics, with his media properties frequently aligning with conservative causes and candidates, and his personal advocacy for issues such as the formation of an Australian republic[3]. In September 2023, Murdoch announced his retirement as chairman of both Fox Corporation and News Corp, stepping down after a 71-year career that saw him transform the media landscape[5]. His eldest son, Lachlan Murdoch, succeeded him as sole chair, following a highly publicized and at times contentious family succession process[4]. In September 2025, the Murdoch family finalized an agreement that ensured Lachlan’s control over the core media assets, resolving a bitter succession dispute that had threatened to divide the empire[4]. This arrangement secures the continuity of Murdoch’s legacy and the conservative editorial voice he championed[4]. Even in retirement, Murdoch remains a symbol of media power and dynastic ambition. His life and career are the subject of ongoing public fascination, with major biographies and analyses exploring his impact on journalism, politics, and culture[1][2]. While his direct operational role has ended, the structures he built and the debates he sparked continue to shape the global media environment.