Rupert Murdoch's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 1, 2025

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Rupert Murdoch. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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

1984: Appointed Companion of the Order of Australia

In 1984, Murdoch was appointed Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) for his services to publishing.

1990: Merger of Sky Television and British Satellite Broadcasting

In 1990, Rupert Murdoch's Sky Television, heavily subsidized by his other holdings, convinced rival British Satellite Broadcasting to merge on his terms. The merged company, BSkyB, has since dominated the British pay-TV market through direct-to-home satellite broadcasting.

1993: Fox Network Gains NFL Coverage

In 1993, Rupert Murdoch's Fox Network secured exclusive coverage of the National Football Conference (NFC) of the National Football League (NFL) from CBS, and increased programming to seven days a week.

1996: BSkyB Subscriber Growth

By 1996, BSkyB had exceeded 3.6 million subscribers, tripling the customer base of cable in the United Kingdom.

January 1998: Murdoch made a Knight Commander of the Order of Saint Gregory the Great

In January 1998, Murdoch was made a Knight Commander of the Order of Saint Gregory the Great (KSG), a papal honor awarded by Pope John Paul II.

2009: Fox News Dominates Cable News Ratings

In 2009, ratings studies showed that the Fox News Channel was responsible for nine of the top ten programs in the Cable News category.

October 2010: Murdoch Receives Anti-Defamation League Award

In October 2010, the Anti-Defamation League presented Rupert Murdoch with its International Leadership Award for his support of Israel and commitment to combating antisemitism.

2016: Forbes ranked Rupert Murdoch & Family as 35th most powerful person

In 2016, Forbes ranked "Rupert Murdoch & Family" as the 35th most powerful person in the world.

February 2017: Murdoch ranked as one of the richest people in the world

According to Forbes' February 2017 real-time list of world's billionaires, Murdoch was the 34th richest person in the US and the 96th richest person in the world, with a net worth of US$13.1 billion.