Challenges Faced by Rupert Murdoch: Obstacles and Turning Points

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Rupert Murdoch's life and career.

Rupert Murdoch is an Australian-born American media mogul who built a global empire through News Corp. His holdings have included major publishing outlets in the UK, Australia, and the US, such as HarperCollins, Sky News Australia, and Fox News. He formerly owned Sky and 21st Century Fox. As one of the wealthiest individuals globally, with a net worth exceeding $20 billion, Murdoch's significant media influence has led to him being described as an oligarch. His vast reach has given him considerable sway over both media narratives and political discourse.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1986: News Corporation's Tax Practices

From 1986, News Corporation maintained subsidiaries in tax havens like the Bahamas and the Cayman Islands, resulting in an average annual tax bill of approximately seven percent of its profits.

1986: Consolidated UK Printing Operations

In 1986, Murdoch consolidated his UK printing operations in London to adopt newer electronic publishing technologies, which led to industrial disputes.

1986: Introduction of Electronic Production

In 1986, Murdoch introduced electronic production processes to his newspapers, leading to the Wapping dispute.

1987: Settlement for Dismissed Workers

In 1987, the dismissed workers from the Wapping dispute accepted a settlement of £60 million.

June 1993: News Corporation Attempts to Acquire TVB Share

In June 1993, News Corporation attempted to acquire a 22% share in TVB, a terrestrial television broadcaster in Hong Kong, for about $237 million, but was unsuccessful due to government regulations.

1995: Scrutiny from FCC and Launch of The Weekly Standard

In 1995, Fox was under scrutiny from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) over News Ltd.'s Australian base, but the FCC ruled in Murdoch's favor. Also in 1995, Murdoch announced a deal with MCI Communications to develop a news website and magazine, The Weekly Standard.

1998: Attempt to Buy Manchester United F.C.

In 1998, Murdoch's attempt to buy Manchester United F.C. for £625 million was blocked by the UK Competition Commission.

2009: Murdoch Wins Media Dispute with Berlusconi

In 2009, Rupert Murdoch won a media dispute with then Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi. A judge ruled that Mediaset prevented News Corporation's Italian unit, Sky Italia, from buying advertisements on its television networks.

June 2011: News Corporation Sells Myspace

In June 2011, News Corporation sold off Myspace for US$35 million.

July 2011: Phone Hacking Allegations

In July 2011, Murdoch's companies, including News of the World, faced allegations of regularly hacking the phones of celebrities, royalty, and public citizens.

July 2011: Murdoch Testifies Before Parliament

In July 2011, Rupert Murdoch, along with his son James, testified before a British parliamentary committee regarding phone hacking. His media empire came under fire as investigators probed reports of phone hacking.

July 2011: Summons to Testify Before Committee

On 14 July 2011, Rupert Murdoch and his son James were summoned to testify before the Culture, Media and Sport Committee of the House of Commons. Murdoch described the day of the committee as "the most humble day of my life".

February 2012: Police Investigate Corrupt Officials

On 27 February 2012, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Sue Akers informed the Leveson Inquiry that police are investigating a "network of corrupt officials" as part of their inquiries into phone hacking and police corruption, alleging a "culture of illegal payments" at The Sun authorized at a senior level.

May 2012: Report on Murdoch's Fitness

On 1 May 2012, the Culture, Media and Sport Committee issued a report stating that Rupert Murdoch was "not a fit person to exercise the stewardship of a major international company".

June 2013: Murdoch filed for divorce from Deng

On June 13, 2013, Rupert Murdoch filed for divorce from Wendi Deng in New York City, citing that the marriage had been irretrievably broken for more than six months.

July 2013: Secret Recording Revealed

On 3 July 2013, a secret recording was revealed where Rupert Murdoch could be heard telling journalists that the phone hacking investigation was a fuss over nothing and that he would take care of any journalists who went to prison.

August 2014: 21st Century Fox Withdraws Time Warner Bid

On August 5, 2014, 21st Century Fox announced it withdrew its offer for Time Warner. Instead, the company planned to spend $6 billion buying back its own shares over the next 12 months.

January 2018: CMA Blocks Murdoch's BSkyB Takeover

In January 2018, the CMA initially blocked Rupert Murdoch from acquiring the remaining 61% of BSkyB due to concerns about market dominance and potential media censorship, but later approved the bid conditioned on the sale of Sky News to Walt Disney Company. Eventually, Comcast gained control of BSkyB, and Murdoch sold his 39% stake to them.

June 2022: Report of Murdoch and Hall's impending divorce

In June 2022, The New York Times reported that Rupert Murdoch and Jerry Hall were set to divorce.

July 2022: Hall filed for divorce from Murdoch

On July 1, 2022, Jerry Hall filed for divorce from Rupert Murdoch, citing irreconcilable differences.

April 2023: Murdoch called off engagement to Smith

In April 2023, Rupert Murdoch suddenly called off his engagement to Ann Lesley Smith, two weeks after it was announced.

September 2024: Court Case Over Family Trust

As of September 2024, the Murdoch family is involved in a US court case where three of his children are challenging his bid to amend the family trust.