Rupert Murdoch, the media mogul often likened to a modern-day Citizen Kane, has a life story that mirrors the twists and turns of a classic rags-to-riches tale. Born in 1931, Murdoch inherited a crumbling media empire at the age of 22 after his father’s death. His early career was marked by a hands-on approach to reviving failing newspapers in Australia, using sensationalism to boost circulation. This controversial strategy laid the foundation for his media empire, News Corp.
Murdoch’s rise wasn’t without challenges. He faced legal battles, such as a libel case involving the defense of an Aboriginal man accused of murder. However, his business acumen and willingness to pivot towards scandal-driven content helped him expand rapidly. By 1965, he had launched Australia’s first national daily paper, The Australian, overcoming the logistical challenges of distributing news across the vast country.
His ambitions soon extended beyond Australia. In 1968, Murdoch entered the UK market, transforming The Sun and News of the World into highly profitable tabloids through sensationalist journalism. By 1973, he had set his sights on the United States, acquiring various newspapers and founding new ones, including the New York Post.
Murdoch’s influence grew exponentially with the advent of television. In 1985, he launched Fox News, a 24-hour news channel that revolutionised the media landscape with its right-wing commentary and sensationalist approach. Fox News became a powerful political force, influencing election cycles and public opinion. However, Murdoch’s own political leanings remain ambiguous; despite Fox News’ pro-Trump stance, Murdoch has been openly critical of the former president.
Murdoch’s personal life has been as tumultuous as his career. He has been married four times and has six children, some of whom are deeply involved in his media empire. His marriages and divorces have often made headlines, adding another layer of intrigue to his public persona.
The phone-hacking scandal involving News of the World was a significant blemish on Murdoch’s career. The revelation that journalists had hacked the phones of celebrities and even a murdered schoolgirl led to public outrage and legal repercussions. Murdoch’s attempts to manage the fallout, including a staged PR-friendly speech, did little to salvage his reputation. The scandal heightened public distrust in the media and marked a turning point in Murdoch’s career.
As Murdoch approaches his 90s, questions arise about the future of his media empire. The rise of social media and alternative journalism platforms like YouTube and Twitter pose significant challenges to traditional media giants like News Corp. Murdoch’s legacy is under threat, not just from external competition but also from internal family dynamics, as his children vie for control of the empire.
Murdoch’s story is a complex one, marked by ambition, controversy, and undeniable influence. Whether his empire will adapt to the changing media landscape or crumble under its own weight remains to be seen. What is clear is that Rupert Murdoch’s impact on the media industry is profound and lasting, for better or worse.