Rupert Murdoch is a prominent media tycoon known for his vast media empire built through News Corp. He holds ownership of numerous publishing outlets globally, including well-known names like HarperCollins, Sky News Australia, and Fox News. His influence extends across various countries, including the UK, Australia, and the US. With a substantial net worth exceeding US$21 billion, he is recognized among the wealthiest individuals globally. His career also includes past ownership of media giants like 21st Century Fox and the now-defunct News of the World.
1923: Establishment of News Limited
News Limited, which would later become central to Rupert Murdoch's media empire, is established in 1923.
March 1931: Birth of Rupert Murdoch
Rupert Murdoch was born in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia in March 1931.
1952: Dame Elisabeth's Philanthropic Work
Following the death of her husband in 1952, Rupert Murdoch's mother, Dame Elisabeth, dedicates her time to charity work, serving as a life governor of the Royal Women's Hospital in Melbourne and establishing the Murdoch Children's Research Institute.
1952: Keith Murdoch's Death
Rupert Murdoch's father, Sir Keith Murdoch, passes away in 1952.
1956: Marriage to Patricia Booker
In 1956, Rupert Murdoch married Patricia Booker, a former shop assistant and flight attendant from Melbourne.
1956: Acquisition of The Sunday Times (Perth)
Rupert Murdoch acquires the struggling Sunday Times newspaper in Perth, Western Australia in 1956.
1958: Birth of Prudence Murdoch
In 1958, Rupert Murdoch and Patricia Booker had their only child, Prudence.
1960: Acquisition of The Daily Mirror
Rupert Murdoch purchases the Sydney afternoon tabloid, The Daily Mirror, in 1960.
January 1964: Murdoch Acquires The Dominion
While on a trip to New Zealand in January 1964, Rupert Murdoch learns of a takeover bid for the Wellington newspaper, The Dominion. He spontaneously launches a counter-bid and emerges victorious after a four-way battle for control.
July 1964: Murdoch's Political Influence Emerges
Rupert Murdoch's influence on Australian politics becomes apparent from the very first edition of The Australian in July 1964. The newspaper consistently sides with Sir John McEwen, leader of the Australian Country Party, on issues that divided the governing coalition, marking the beginning of Murdoch's long-standing involvement in political affairs.
1967: Divorce from Patricia Booker
In 1967, Rupert Murdoch and Patricia Booker divorced.
1967: Marriage to Anna Torv
In 1967, Rupert Murdoch married Anna Torv, a Scottish-born cadet journalist working for his Sydney newspaper The Daily Mirror.
August 1968: Birth of Elisabeth Murdoch
On 22 August 1968, Rupert Murdoch's daughter Elisabeth Murdoch was born in Sydney, Australia.
1968: Murdoch Enters British Newspaper Market
Murdoch's acquisition of the News of the World in 1968 marked his strategic entry into the competitive British newspaper market.
1969: Murdoch Acquires The Sun
In 1969, Murdoch bought The Sun, a struggling daily, and transformed it into a tabloid, cutting costs by sharing printing presses with News of the World. His vision for The Sun was clear: "a tearaway paper with lots of tits in it."
1969: Murdoch Expands into the UK
Rupert Murdoch expands his media empire into the United Kingdom by taking over the News of the World, quickly followed by The Sun, in 1969.
September 1971: Birth of Lachlan Murdoch
On 8 September 1971, Rupert Murdoch's son Lachlan Murdoch was born in London, UK.
December 1972: Birth of James Murdoch
On 13 December 1972, Rupert Murdoch's son James Murdoch was born in London, UK.
1972: Acquisition of The Daily Telegraph (Sydney)
Rupert Murdoch acquires The Daily Telegraph, a Sydney morning tabloid, from Australian media tycoon Sir Frank Packer in 1972.
1973: Murdoch's First US Acquisition: San Antonio Express-News
Rupert Murdoch made his first foray into the American media market in 1973 with the purchase of the San Antonio Express-News.
1974: Expansion into US Market with Move to New York City
In 1974, Murdoch relocated to New York City to further his expansion into the US media landscape while maintaining his interests in Australia and Britain.
1974: Murdoch Moves to New York City
Rupert Murdoch relocates to New York City in 1974 to further expand his media business into the US market.
1976: Purchase of the New York Post
Continuing his expansion in the US, Murdoch acquired the New York Post in 1976, a significant addition to his growing media empire.
1980: Support for Ronald Reagan's Campaign
Murdoch's New York Post was credited with contributing to Ronald Reagan's victory in New York during the 1980 presidential election. Reagan later granted Murdoch a waiver, allowing him to control both The New York Post and The Boston Herald while expanding into television.
February 1981: Murdoch's Alliance with Margaret Thatcher
In February 1981, Murdoch's close relationship with Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher proved advantageous when his bid for The Times and Sunday Times bypassed the usual scrutiny, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest.
1981: Murdoch Acquires The Times and Sunday Times
In 1981, Murdoch took ownership of the struggling Times and Sunday Times from Lord Thomson of Fleet, aiming to revitalize the publications facing industrial action and financial losses.
1981: Murdoch Acquires The Times
In 1981, Rupert Murdoch purchases The Times, marking his first acquisition of a British broadsheet newspaper.
1982: Don Henley Dedicates "Dirty Laundry" to Murdoch and Bill O'Reilly
During the latter part of his touring career, Eagles drummer and vocalist Don Henley would frequently dedicate his 1982 hit song "Dirty Laundry" to Rupert Murdoch and Bill O'Reilly.
March 1984: Acquisition of Marc Rich's Stake in 20th Century Fox
Murdoch bought Marc Rich's shares in 20th Century Fox in March 1984, further solidifying his presence in the entertainment industry.
1984: Murdoch Appointed Companion of the Order of Australia
In recognition of his contributions to publishing, Rupert Murdoch is appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) in 1984.
September 1985: Murdoch Becomes a US Citizen
To comply with legal requirements for owning US television stations, Rupert Murdoch obtained US citizenship on September 4, 1985.
1985: Murdoch Becomes a US Citizen
Rupert Murdoch becomes a naturalized citizen of the United States in 1985, relinquishing his Australian citizenship, to meet the legal requirements for owning a US television network.
October 1986: Formation of Fox Broadcasting Company
The Fox Broadcasting Company was established on October 9, 1986, using the six television stations acquired from Metromedia as its foundation.
December 1986: Further Acquisition in South China Morning Post
In December 1986, Dow Jones & Company offered News Corporation to sell about 19% of its share in SCMP for US$57.2 million, leading to a full takeover by 1987.
1986: News Corporation's Tax Practices Scrutinized
Starting in 1986, News Corporation's low average tax rate of seven percent drew attention and scrutiny, sparking debates about corporate tax avoidance and offshore subsidiaries.
1986: Takeover of The Herald and Weekly Times
Following the relaxation of media ownership laws by the Keating government, Rupert Murdoch launches a successful takeover bid for The Herald and Weekly Times, Australia's largest newspaper publisher, in 1986.
1986: Murdoch Introduces Electronic Production
Murdoch's introduction of electronic production in his newspapers in 1986, though aimed at efficiency, sparked significant labor disputes and highlighted the impact of automation on the workforce.
1986: Purchase of Misty Mountain Estate
In 1986, Murdoch acquired Misty Mountain, a historic estate in Beverly Hills, California, designed by renowned architect Wallace Neff.
1986: Murdoch Consolidates UK Printing Operations
Driven by his interest in new electronic publishing technologies, Rupert Murdoch consolidates his printing operations in London in 1986, leading to significant industrial disputes.
1987: Creation of the World Music Video Awards and Acquisition of The Herald and Weekly Times Ltd.
Murdoch established the World Music Video Awards in 1987, a global music awards event determined by viewer votes. Additionally, in Australia, he acquired The Herald and Weekly Times Ltd., a company his father had previously managed.
1987: Resolution of the Wapping Dispute
The Wapping dispute, sparked by Murdoch's automation efforts in 1986, concluded in 1987 with a £60 million settlement for dismissed workers, but left lasting tensions with unions.
1988: Publication of Family Business
In 1988, Rupert Murdoch's companies published a novel by his wife Anna Torv titled 'Family Business.'
1989: Murdoch Acquires HarperCollins
Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation acquires the publishing house HarperCollins in 1989.
1990: Murdoch's Dominance in British Pay-TV
Murdoch's strategic merger of his struggling Sky Television with competitor British Satellite Broadcasting in 1990 led to the formation of BSkyB, solidifying his dominance in the British pay-TV market.
1990: Murdoch Founds BSkyB
Rupert Murdoch establishes the British broadcasting company BSkyB in 1990.
1991: Publication of Coming to Terms
In 1991, Rupert Murdoch's companies published another novel by his wife Anna Torv titled 'Coming to Terms.'
1992: The Sun's Influence on British Elections
The Sun's self-proclaimed role in John Major's unexpected victory in the 1992 election underscored the perceived influence of Murdoch's media outlets on British politics.
June 1993: Failed TVB Acquisition Attempt
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 the deal fell through as the Hong Kong government would not relax regulations regarding foreign ownership of broadcasting companies.
1993: Elisabeth Murdoch marries Elkin Kwesi Pianim and purchases TV stations
After graduating from Vassar College, Elisabeth Murdoch married classmate Elkin Kwesi Pianim in 1993. The couple, using a loan from Rupert Murdoch, purchased two NBC-affiliate television stations, KSBW and KSBY, in California.
1994: Blair's Labour Party Shifts Towards Center
Tony Blair's Labour Party shifted towards a more centrist position on economic issues after he became leader in 1994, a move that coincided with Murdoch's growing influence and his own libertarian views.
1995: Elisabeth Murdoch sells TV stations for profit
Elisabeth Murdoch demonstrated her business acumen in 1995 by successfully reorganizing and selling the two California television stations she had purchased with her then-husband, Elkin Kwesi Pianim, for a $12 million profit.
1995: FCC Scrutiny and New Ventures
In 1995, Murdoch faced scrutiny from the FCC regarding his ownership of Fox, but the FCC ruled in his favor. The same year, he announced a partnership with MCI Communications to launch a news website and magazine, The Weekly Standard, and launched the Foxtel pay TV network in Australia with Telstra.
1996: Launch of Fox News Channel
Murdoch entered the cable news market in 1996 by launching the Fox News Channel, a 24-hour cable news station that would later achieve significant viewership.
1996: Murdoch and Robert Maxwell Fictionalized in "The Fourth Estate"
Jeffrey Archer's 1996 novel "The Fourth Estate" features thinly veiled fictional representations of Rupert Murdoch and fellow media mogul Robert Maxwell as "Keith Townsend" and "Richard Armstrong," respectively.
1996: Acquisition of Four Star Television's Assets
In 1996, Murdoch's 20th Century Fox purchased the remaining assets of Four Star Television. This acquisition gave Murdoch control of a vast library of television programs.
1996: BSkyB's Subscriber Growth
By 1996, BSkyB, the product of Murdoch's merger strategy, had amassed over 3.6 million subscribers, showcasing the success of his direct-to-home satellite broadcasting approach.
1997: Elisabeth Murdoch meets Matthew Freud
Elisabeth Murdoch crossed paths with Matthew Freud, the great-grandson of Sigmund Freud, in 1997.
1997: Murdoch's Newspapers' Political Stances
In the 1997 British general election, Murdoch's newspapers, including The Sun, either remained neutral or supported Tony Blair's Labour Party, reflecting his shifting political allegiances.
1997: Murdoch's Political Alliances Shift
After supporting Thatcher, Murdoch shifted his support to Tony Blair's Labour Party in 1997, demonstrating his political maneuvering and pragmatism.
1997: The Sun's Readership Soars
By 1997, The Sun, under Murdoch's ownership, had achieved remarkable success, attracting a massive daily readership of 10 million.
1997: Blair's Labour Party Shifts Towards Center
By 1997, Tony Blair's Labour Party had solidified its shift towards the center, aligning with Murdoch's own libertarian ideals of minimal government intervention.
1998: Murdoch's Bid for Manchester United Blocked
In 1998, Murdoch's ambitious attempt to buy Manchester United for a record £625 million was thwarted by the UK's Competition Commission, raising concerns about media consolidation and its potential impact on football.
1998: Elisabeth Murdoch divorces and pursues independent career
Following her divorce from Elkin Kwesi Pianim in 1998, Elisabeth Murdoch embarked on an independent career path in television and film production in London.
June 1999: Divorce from Anna Torv
In June 1999, Rupert Murdoch and Anna Torv divorced. Anna Murdoch received a settlement of US$1.2 billion in assets.
June 1999: Marriage to Wendi Deng
On 25 June 1999, 17 days after divorcing his second wife, Rupert Murdoch, then aged 68, married Chinese-born Wendi Deng. She was 30, a recent Yale School of Management graduate, and a newly appointed vice-president of his STAR TV.
1999: "The Chimp Channel" Parody of Rupert Murdoch
TBS aired a sitcom called "The Chimp Channel" in 1999. The show included a character named Harry Waller, a caricature of Rupert Murdoch, who is depicted as an Australian media tycoon.
1999: Expansion into Music Industry
Rupert Murdoch expands his media empire into the music industry in 1999 by acquiring a controlling stake in Mushroom Records, a prominent Australian independent label. He merges it with Festival Records to form Festival Mushroom Records (FMR).
1999: Murdoch Supports Australian Republic
Murdoch actively campaigned for an Australian republic during the 1999 referendum, demonstrating his political engagement beyond his media empire.
2000: News Corporation Owns Over 800 Companies
By the year 2000, Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation had grown to own over 800 companies across more than 50 countries, with a total net worth exceeding $5 billion.
November 2001: Birth of Grace Murdoch
Grace Murdoch, Rupert Murdoch's daughter with Wendi Deng, was born in New York in November 2001.
2001: Elisabeth Murdoch marries Matthew Freud
Elisabeth Murdoch and Matthew Freud married in 2001, marking the beginning of their partnership in both their personal and professional lives.
2001: Birth of Grace Murdoch
In 2001, Rupert Murdoch's daughter Grace was born.
2001: Murdoch's Newspapers' Political Stances
In the 2001 British general election, Murdoch's newspapers continued their pattern of neutrality or support for Tony Blair's Labour Party, demonstrating his ongoing influence.
July 2003: Birth of Chloe Murdoch
Chloe Murdoch, Rupert Murdoch's youngest daughter, was born to him and Wendi Deng in July 2003.
November 2003: James Murdoch becomes CEO of British Sky Broadcasting
James Murdoch, Rupert's younger son, assumed the role of Chief Executive of British Sky Broadcasting in November 2003.
2003: Purchase of Rosehearty
In 2003, Rupert Murdoch bought 'Rosehearty,' an 11-bedroom home on a 5-acre waterfront estate in Centre Island, New York.
2003: Acquisition of Stake in Hughes Electronics
In late 2003, Murdoch acquired a significant stake in Hughes Electronics, the operator of DirecTV, from General Motors for $6 billion.
2003: Birth of Chloe Murdoch
In 2003, Rupert Murdoch's daughter Chloe was born.
2004: "Outfoxed: Rupert Murdoch's War on Journalism" documentary
The documentary "Outfoxed: Rupert Murdoch's War on Journalism," released in 2004, presented allegations from various interviewees accusing Fox News, a network owned by Murdoch, of manipulating reporters to present a biased perspective on news stories to influence viewers' political opinions.
July 2005: Lachlan Murdoch resigns from News Corporation
In July 2005, Lachlan Murdoch, Rupert's elder son and heir apparent, resigned from his executive positions at News Corporation, including his role as publisher of the New York Post.
September 2005: Acquisition of IGN Entertainment
News Corporation acquired IGN Entertainment, a gaming and entertainment website, for $650 million in September 2005.
2005: Tension over News Corporation trust and Murdoch's children
Around 2005, tensions reportedly arose between Rupert Murdoch and his older children regarding the terms of a trust controlling the family's 28.5% stake in News Corporation, valued at approximately $6.1 billion at the time. The trust grants Murdoch's children with Wendi Deng a share of the stock's proceeds but without voting rights or control, which are divided between Murdoch and his children from his first two marriages.
2005: Murdoch Claims Blair Criticized BBC's Katrina Coverage
In 2005, Murdoch alleged that Tony Blair had criticized the BBC's coverage of Hurricane Katrina as being "full of hatred of America," further intertwining their relationship with media perspectives.
2005: Murdoch's Newspapers' Political Stances
The 2005 British general election marked another instance where Murdoch's newspapers either remained neutral or supported Tony Blair's Labour Party, solidifying their political influence.
May 2006: Fundraiser for Hillary Clinton
In May 2006, Murdoch hosted a fundraiser for Senator Hillary Clinton's Senate re-election campaign.
June 2006: Murdoch and News Corporation's Potential Backing of David Cameron
In June 2006, reports emerged that Rupert Murdoch and News Corporation were contemplating supporting the newly elected Conservative leader, David Cameron, in the upcoming General Election, which was still several years away.
July 2006: Murdoch's Underwhelming Opinion of Cameron
During an interview in July 2006, Murdoch gave a less-than-enthusiastic response when asked about his opinion of David Cameron, simply stating, "Not much."
May 2007: Acquisition of Dow Jones & Company
In May 2007, Murdoch made a $5 billion offer to acquire Dow Jones & Company, which was initially declined by the controlling Bancroft family but later accepted. This acquisition gave him control of publications like The Wall Street Journal and Barron's Magazine.
October 2007: Murdoch Remains Tight-Lipped on Australian Politics
During News Corporation's annual general meeting in New York on October 19, 2007, Rupert Murdoch declines to comment on Australian politics, stating that he prefers journalists and editors to shape the narrative.
2007: News Corporation sells assets and issues voting stock
In 2007, News Corporation made strategic moves by selling off certain assets and issuing voting stock to Murdoch's older children. They also gave cash to John Malone's company in exchange for his stock.
2007: Murdoch Criticizes Australian Prime Ministers
In 2007, Rupert Murdoch began publicly criticizing Australian Prime Ministers, starting with Kevin Rudd's approach to climate change and fiscal policies.
2007: Murdoch's Guarantee and the Hiring of Andy Coulson
It was revealed that Murdoch had personally assured Cameron about the lack of risk associated with employing Andy Coulson, the former editor of News of the World who resigned due to phone hacking allegations.
2007: News Corporation Acquires The Wall Street Journal
Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation buys The Wall Street Journal in 2007.
August 2008: Cameron's Private Meetings with Murdoch on Yacht
In August 2008, David Cameron accepted complimentary flights to engage in private discussions and attend gatherings with Rupert Murdoch on his yacht, the Rosehearty. The trip was not officially disclosed, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest.
2008: Support for Barack Obama
During a 2008 interview, Murdoch revealed his support for Barack Obama in the Democratic primaries and predicted Obama's victory in the presidential election.
2008: Murdoch Criticizes Australian Prime Ministers
In 2008, Rupert Murdoch continued his public criticism of Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's fiscal policies in the wake of the financial crisis.
November 2009: Murdoch's Relationship with British Prime Ministers
In November 2009, despite Murdoch's prior support for Labour, Gordon Brown's spokesman confirmed regular communication between Brown and Murdoch, highlighting the media mogul's ongoing influence.
2009: Murdoch Criticizes Australian Prime Ministers
In 2009, in response to accusations of running vendettas against him, Murdoch called Prime Minister Kevin Rudd "oversensitive." Despite Murdoch's media outlets' extensive reach, commentators argued that the criticism stemmed from local editors rather than Murdoch himself.
2009: Fox News Dominates Cable News Ratings
By 2009, ratings studies indicated that Fox News Channel dominated cable news viewership, claiming nine out of the top ten programs in the category.
2009: Speculation on Murdoch's Support for Cameron Amidst Phone Hacking Scandal
In 2009, amidst the News of the World phone hacking scandal, suggestions arose that Murdoch and News Corporation might have opted to support Cameron, potentially due to shared interests in minimizing the influence of Ofcom, the UK's communications regulator.
September 2010: Testimony on Immigration Reform
Murdoch testified before a House Subcommittee in September 2010, advocating for an end to mass deportations and comprehensive immigration reform, including a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants.
October 2010: ADL International Leadership Award
In October 2010, the Anti-Defamation League in New York City presented Rupert Murdoch with its International Leadership Award for his strong support of Israel and his commitment to promoting respect and speaking out against anti-Semitism.
2010: Characteristics of Murdoch's Media Operations
McKnight, in 2010, identified four defining characteristics of Murdoch's media operations: free market ideology, unified positions on public policy, global editorial meetings, and opposition to perceived liberal bias in other media.
2010: Political Contributions and Advocacy
News Corporation, under Murdoch's leadership, donated to the Republican Governors Association and the US Chamber of Commerce in 2010. Murdoch also served on the board of the Cato Institute and supported the Stop Online Piracy Act and Protect Intellectual Property Act.
2010: Media Dispute Victory in Italy
In 2010 Rupert Murdoch won a media dispute with then Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. A judge ruled that Mediaset, the media arm of the then Prime Minister, prevented Murdoch's Sky Italia from buying advertisements on its television networks.
January 2011: Prudence MacLeod appointed to Times Newspapers Ltd board
On January 28, 2011, Rupert Murdoch's eldest child, Prudence MacLeod, was appointed to the board of Times Newspapers Ltd, a subsidiary of News International responsible for publishing The Times and The Sunday Times.
July 2011: Cameron's Frequent Meetings with News Corporation Executives Revealed
Revelations in July 2011 indicated that David Cameron had participated in a significant number of meetings with senior executives from Murdoch's News Corporation during his tenure as Prime Minister.
July 2011: Murdoch's Testimony Before Parliament Regarding Phone Hacking
In July 2011, Rupert Murdoch, along with his son James, appeared before a British parliamentary committee to provide testimony concerning the phone hacking scandal. The investigation centered on allegations that journalists at Murdoch's newspapers had illegally accessed phone records.
July 2011: Murdoch Summoned to Testify Before Parliament
In July 2011, The Culture, Media and Sport Committee of the House of Commons issued a summons for Rupert Murdoch, his son James, and former CEO Rebekah Brooks to appear before a parliamentary committee investigating the phone hacking scandal.
July 2011: Phone-hacking Allegations Surface
In July 2011, allegations emerge that Rupert Murdoch's companies, including News Corporation's News of the World, had been routinely hacking the phones of celebrities, royalty, and members of the public.
September 2011: Tony Blair revealed as Grace Murdoch's godfather
In September 2011, it was made public that former British Prime Minister Tony Blair is the godfather of Grace Murdoch.
2011: Dame Elisabeth Murdoch's Legacy at 102
By 2011, at the age of 102, Dame Elisabeth Murdoch has 74 descendants.
2011: Advocacy for Open Immigration Policies
In 2011, Murdoch advocated for more open immigration policies in Western nations, including a pathway to legal status for illegal immigrants in the United States. He joined the Partnership for a New American Economy, a coalition advocating for immigration reform.
2011: News Corp Australia's Newspaper Ownership Share in Australia
Terry Flew, in his August 2013 article, referenced the Finkelstein Review of Media and Media Regulation, which reported that News Corp Australia held a 23% ownership share of the nation's newspapers in 2011. Despite this ownership percentage, News Corp Australia's titles accounted for a significant portion of newspaper sales, representing 59% of all daily newspaper sales and achieving weekly sales of 17.3 million copies.
February 2012: Investigation into "Network of Corrupt Officials" and Payments at The Sun
On February 27, 2012, information emerged indicating that police were investigating a potential "network of corrupt officials" in connection with their investigations into phone hacking and police corruption. Evidence pointed to a pattern of illicit payments at The Sun, a publication under Murdoch's ownership.
May 2012: Parliamentary Report Deems Murdoch Unfit to Lead Major Company
On May 1, 2012, the Culture, Media and Sport Committee released a report concluding that Rupert Murdoch was unsuitable to hold a leadership position within a significant international corporation. This assessment stemmed from the committee's investigation into the phone hacking scandal and Murdoch's role in it.
July 2012: Murdoch Resigns from News International
On July 21, 2012, Rupert Murdoch resigns from his position as director of News International.
2012: "Hacks" Satirical Film References Murdoch
The satirical television movie "Hacks," which aired on Channel 4 in the UK in 2012, drew clear parallels to Rupert Murdoch and other key figures involved in the phone-hacking scandal through its fictional character "Stanhope Feast," portrayed by Michael Kitchen.
2012: Support for Mitt Romney
During the 2012 US presidential election, Murdoch supported Mitt Romney, expressing a desire for a Republican victory.
2012: Murdoch's Secret Meeting with Thatcher Revealed
In 2012, archived documents revealed a secret meeting between Murdoch and Thatcher in 1981, contradicting prior denials and fueling suspicions about their close ties.
May 2013: Purchase of Moraga Estate
In May 2013, Rupert Murdoch purchased the Moraga Estate, an estate, vineyard, and winery in Bel Air, Los Angeles, California.
June 2013: Divorce from Wendi Deng
On 13 June 2013, a News Corporation spokesperson confirmed that Rupert Murdoch filed for divorce from Wendi Deng in New York City, US, citing that the marriage had been irretrievably broken for more than six months.
July 2013: Leaked Recording of Murdoch's Comments on Phone Hacking Investigation
In July 2013, a recording surfaced of Rupert Murdoch making remarks about the phone hacking investigation. In the recording, he downplayed the seriousness of the situation.
August 2013: Terry Flew Investigates Murdoch's Newspaper Ownership in Australia
In August 2013, Terry Flew, a Professor of Media and Communications at Queensland University of Technology, published an article examining a statement made by former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, who claimed that Murdoch owned 70% of Australian newspapers in 2011.
2013: News Corp Accused of Influencing Australian Election
In 2013, News Corp, under Rupert Murdoch's leadership, faced accusations of swaying public opinion in favor of the Australian Liberal government during the federal election. Murdoch's subsequent tweet following the Liberal Party's victory further fueled the controversy, drawing criticism for potentially reflecting the media outlet's influence on the election outcome.
2013: Australian Character in "Anchorman 2" Inspired by Murdoch
The 2013 film "Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues" features an Australian character who owns a cable news television channel, drawing inspiration from Rupert Murdoch.
June 2014: Bid for Time Warner
Murdoch's 21st Century Fox made an $80 billion bid for Time Warner in June 2014, which Time Warner's board rejected.
August 2014: Withdrawal of Time Warner Bid and Share Buyback
In August 2014, 21st Century Fox withdrew its offer for Time Warner and announced a $6 billion share buyback program.
October 2015: Controversial Tweet About Ben Carson and Barack Obama
Murdoch sparked controversy in October 2015 with a tweet praising Ben Carson and questioning whether Barack Obama was a "real black President." He later apologized for the remark.
November 2015: Murdoch's Global Influence Recognized by Former Australian PM
In November 2015, former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott acknowledged Rupert Murdoch's significant impact, stating that Murdoch has "arguably had more impact on the wider world than any other living Australian." This statement highlights Murdoch's global influence and reach, particularly in the realm of media and politics.
2015: Murdoch Refuses to Interfere with Theranos Investigation
In 2015, despite being the largest investor in Theranos after a substantial investment, Rupert Murdoch refused Elizabeth Holmes's request to suppress The Wall Street Journal's investigative reporting on the company's blood-testing technology. Murdoch's decision to uphold journalistic integrity, even when it potentially threatened his financial interests, demonstrates his commitment to journalistic ethics and freedom of the press.
2015: Departure as CEO of 21st Century Fox
Murdoch stepped down as CEO of 21st Century Fox in 2015 but retained ownership until its acquisition by Disney in 2019.
January 2016: Engagement to Jerry Hall
On 11 January 2016, Rupert Murdoch announced his engagement to former model Jerry Hall in a notice in The Times newspaper.
March 2016: Marriage to Jerry Hall
On 4 March 2016, Rupert Murdoch, a week short of his 85th birthday, and 59-year-old Jerry Hall were married in London, at St Bride's, Fleet Street with a reception at Spencer House. This was Murdoch's fourth marriage.
June 2016: The Sun's Support for Brexit and Murdoch's Reaction
In June 2016, The Sun newspaper, owned by Murdoch, expressed support for the "Vote Leave" campaign in the UK's referendum on EU membership. Murdoch celebrated the Brexit outcome.
2016: Acting CEO of Fox News
Following Roger Ailes' resignation from Fox News amid sexual harassment allegations, Murdoch assumed the role of acting CEO from 2016 to 2019.
2016: Forbes ranks "Rupert Murdoch & Family" 35th most powerful in the world
In 2016, Forbes ranked "Rupert Murdoch & Family" as the 35th most powerful entity globally.
February 2017: Forbes ranks Murdoch 34th richest in US and 96th globally
As of February 2017, Forbes' real-time ranking of the world's wealthiest individuals placed Rupert Murdoch as the 34th richest person in the United States and the 96th richest globally, with an estimated net worth of US$13.1 billion.
2017: Murdoch Inspires Character in Edward St. Aubyn's "Dunbar"
The character of "Dunbar" in Edward St. Aubyn's 2017 novel of the same name draws some inspiration from Rupert Murdoch.
January 2018: Murdoch's BSkyB Takeover Attempt Blocked
In January 2018, Murdoch's attempt to gain full control of BSkyB was blocked due to concerns about media plurality and censorship, reflecting ongoing scrutiny of his influence.
2018: Dinner with Saudi Crown Prince
In early 2018, Mohammad bin Salman, the crown prince of Saudi Arabia, had an intimate dinner at Rupert Murdoch's Bel Air estate in Los Angeles.
2018: "Succession" Character Inspired by Murdoch
Logan Roy, the central character in the television series "Succession" (2018–2023), played by Brian Cox, is partly based on Rupert Murdoch.
2018: Sale of Misty Mountain to Son James
Murdoch sold the Misty Mountain estate to his son, James Murdoch, in 2018.
2018: Murdoch Sells Sky
Rupert Murdoch sells his ownership of Sky in 2018.
2019: Disney's Acquisition of 21st Century Fox
Disney acquired most of 21st Century Fox in 2019, although Murdoch retained ownership of certain assets, including Fox News.
2019: Purchase of Holmwood
In 2019, Rupert Murdoch and his wife Jerry Hall purchased Holmwood, an 18th-century house and estate in the English village of Binfield Heath, some 4 miles north-east of Reading.
2019: Murdoch Sells 21st Century Fox
Rupert Murdoch sells 21st Century Fox in 2019.
2019: Murdoch family ranked 52nd on Forbes' billionaires list
The Murdoch family secured the 52nd position on Forbes' annual list of the world's billionaires in 2019.
2020: COVID-19 Isolation and Vaccination
In late 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Rupert Murdoch and Jerry Hall were isolating at their Binfield Heath home for much of the year. Murdoch received his first COVID-19 vaccine in nearby Henley-on-Thames on 16 December.
April 2021: ADL Withdraws Support
In April 2021, in a letter to Lachlan Murdoch, ADL director Jonathan Greenblatt wrote that the ADL would no longer present any awards to Rupert Murdoch, in the context of accusations against Fox News presenter Tucker Carlson and his espousal of the White replacement theory.
November 2021: Murdoch Calls for Reform of Digital Platforms, Alleging Bias
In November 2021, Rupert Murdoch accused Google and Facebook of suppressing conservative viewpoints on their platforms. Though lacking evidence, his accusations reflected broader concerns about potential bias in online content moderation. Murdoch's call for "substantial reform" and transparency in the digital advertising market highlighted the ongoing debate surrounding the power and influence of tech giants.
March 2022: Rupert Murdoch's Net Worth Reaches $21.7 Billion
As of March 2022, Forbes magazine estimated Rupert Murdoch's net worth to be US$21.7 billion, making him the 31st richest person in the United States and the 71st richest in the world.
June 2022: Announcement of Divorce from Jerry Hall
In June 2022, The New York Times reported that Rupert Murdoch and Jerry Hall were set to divorce, citing two anonymous sources.
July 2022: Jerry Hall Files for Divorce
On 1 July 2022, Jerry Hall filed for divorce from Rupert Murdoch citing irreconcilable differences.
August 2022: Finalization of Divorce from Jerry Hall
In August 2022, Rupert Murdoch's divorce from Jerry Hall was finalized.
September 2022: Meeting with Ann Lesley Smith
During an event in September 2022, Rupert Murdoch met his future fiancée, Ann Lesley Smith.
2022: King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard Release Song About Murdoch
The Australian psychedelic rock band King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard released their album "Omnium Gatherum" in 2022, featuring a track titled "Evilest Man," which is about Rupert Murdoch.
April 2023: Called Off Engagement to Ann Lesley Smith
In April 2023, Rupert Murdoch suddenly called off his engagement to Ann Lesley Smith, two weeks after proposing. The split was said to be caused by Murdoch's discomfort with Smith's religious views and her infatuation with Fox News host Tucker Carlson.
April 2023: Dominion Lawsuit Settlement
In April 2023, during a defamation lawsuit by Dominion Voting Systems against Fox News, Rupert Murdoch acknowledged that some Fox News commentators were endorsing election fraud claims they knew were false. On 18 April 2023, Fox and Dominion settled for $787.5 million.
September 2023: Murdoch Steps Down from Fox Corp. and News Corp.
In September 2023, Rupert Murdoch announces his decision to step down as chairman of Fox Corp. and News Corp.
September 2023: Uncertainty over Murdoch's future as News Corporation CEO
Until September 2023, there was speculation surrounding Rupert Murdoch's tenure as CEO of News Corporation.
2023: "Succession" Ends
The television series "Succession" (2018–2023), which features a character inspired by Rupert Murdoch, concludes.
2023: Publication of "Young Rupert: The Making of the Murdoch Empire"
Walter Marsh's "Young Rupert: The Making of the Murdoch Empire" was published in 2023, garnering acclaim for its in-depth research. The book delves into Murdoch's formative years, particularly his early career at The News in Adelaide and his association with editor-in-chief Rohan Rivett, highlighting his early embrace of socialism.
March 2024: Engagement to Elena Zhukova
In March 2024, Rupert Murdoch announced his engagement to Elena Zhukova, a retired molecular biologist. The wedding is set to take place at Murdoch's estate in California.