Rupert Murdoch is a name that echoes through the halls of global media. At 94 years old, this billionaire has built an empire that influences news, entertainment, and politics worldwide. With a net worth projected at $23.1 billion in 2025, Murdoch’s story is one of ambition, power, and family drama. This article explores his wealth, his companies, the fight over who will take over his empire, his ties with Donald Trump, his personal life, and more.
Rupert Murdoch’s Net Worth: A Billionaire’s Fortune
Rupert Murdoch’s net worth is estimated at $23.1 billion in 2025, according to Forbes projections. Back in 2022, it was $21.7 billion, ranking him among the world’s richest people—31st in the U.S. and 71st globally. His wealth comes from owning News Corp and Fox Corporation, which run major media outlets like Fox News, The Wall Street Journal, and The Sun. Murdoch’s knack for growing his businesses and adapting to new media trends keeps his fortune climbing.
Rupert Murdoch’s Companies: A Global Media Giant
Murdoch’s media empire started with one newspaper in Australia, inherited from his father in 1952. Today, it’s a massive network of companies, including:
- News Corp: Owns The Wall Street Journal, The New York Post, The Times, and The Sun.
- Fox Corporation: Runs Fox News, Fox Sports, and Fox Entertainment.
- HarperCollins: A top book publisher.
- Sky News Australia: A key broadcaster Down Under.
From newspapers to TV to books, Murdoch’s companies reach millions, making him a major player in shaping what people read, watch, and think.
Rupert Murdoch’s Succession: A Family Feud
Who will run Murdoch’s empire next? It’s a question straight out of a TV drama. In 2023, Murdoch stepped down as chairman of Fox and News Corp, naming his son Lachlan Murdoch as the new leader. But not everyone’s happy. His other kids—James, Elisabeth, and Prudence—are fighting in court over a family trust that controls the companies’ voting shares.
Murdoch wants Lachlan to have full power, a move called “Project Harmony,” but his other children want equal say. This legal showdown in Nevada could decide the future of the empire—and whether it stays conservative or shifts direction.
Rupert Murdoch and Donald Trump: Friends, Then Foes
Murdoch and Donald Trump were once allies. Through Fox News, Murdoch backed Trump’s presidency with positive coverage. But things fell apart after the 2020 election when Fox called Arizona for Joe Biden, angering Trump. Their rocky relationship shows how Murdoch’s media can both boost and clash with political figures, all while staying a force in conservative circles.
Rupert Murdoch’s Spouses: Five Wives
Murdoch’s love life has been busy. He’s been married five times:
- Patricia Booker (1956–1967): They had daughter Prudence.
- Anna Maria Torv (1967–1999): They had three kids—Elisabeth, Lachlan, and James.
- Wendi Deng (1999–2013): They had two daughters, Grace and Chloe.
- Jerry Hall (2016–2022): The ex-model and Mick Jagger’s former wife.
- Elena Zhukova (2024–present): A retired biologist he married at 93.
Each marriage has added to Murdoch’s colorful personal story, often grabbing headlines.
Rupert Murdoch’s Children: Six Heirs
Murdoch has six kids from his first three marriages:
- Prudence Murdoch: From his first wife, she’s stayed out of the spotlight.
- Elisabeth Murdoch: A media entrepreneur who started Shine, a TV production company.
- Lachlan Murdoch: The chosen successor, now running Fox and News Corp.
- James Murdoch: Once a contender, he left News Corp in 2020 over disagreements.
- Grace and Chloe Murdoch: Younger daughters from Wendi Deng, not yet in the business.
Their different views and roles fuel the family’s succession saga.
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Rupert Murdoch’s Age: 94 and Counting
Born on March 11, 1931, Rupert Murdoch is 94 years old in 2025. Even at this age, he’s a big name in media, proving his staying power in a fast-changing world.
Rupert Murdoch’s Family: Where It All Began
Murdoch hails from Melbourne, Australia. His father, Sir Keith Murdoch, was a respected journalist, and his mother, Dame Elisabeth Murdoch, supported the family’s early steps. After his dad died in 1952, Rupert took over the family newspaper at 22, kicking off his rise. His parents’ influence set the stage for his media dynasty.
Murdoch Family Net Worth: A Billion-Dollar Clan
The Murdoch family’s combined net worth is around $20 billion. Most of this is Rupert’s wealth, but his kids—like Lachlan with his investment firm and James with his own projects—add to it. It’s a fortune built on media and ambition.
FAQs About Rupert Murdoch
- How did Rupert Murdoch get so rich?
He grew a small newspaper into a global empire by buying up media outlets and expanding into TV and books. - What’s the latest on the succession fight?
As of 2025, a court is deciding if Lachlan gets full control or if his siblings share it. - How does Murdoch affect politics?
His outlets, like Fox News, push conservative ideas and have backed leaders like Trump and Thatcher. - What big scandals has he faced?
The 2011 phone-hacking scandal at News of the World was a major one, shutting down the paper. - How’s his relationship with his kids?
It’s tricky—Lachlan’s the favorite, while James has split over business differences. - Why did James quit News Corp?
He left in 2020, unhappy with its editorial line and decisions. - How did Murdoch’s empire start?
It began with a single Australian newspaper he inherited at 22. - What’s the family trust?
It holds voting shares in News Corp and Fox, and it’s at the heart of the succession battle. - How has he kept up with digital media?
He’s invested in online platforms and streaming to stay relevant. - What’s Murdoch’s legacy?
He’s a media titan who’s shaped news and politics, but not without controversy.
Five Cool Facts About Rupert Murdoch
- Australian Roots: Born in Australia, he became a U.S. citizen in 1985 to grow his business.
- Tabloid King: He made tabloids big with bold, juicy headlines.
- Five Weddings: Married five times, his latest at 93.
- Phone-Hacking Mess: His UK paper News of the World closed after a 2011 scandal.
- Political Player: His media has helped elect leaders and sway voters.
Lessons from Rupert Murdoch’s Life
- Change with the Times: Moving from papers to TV to digital kept him on top.
- Media Matters: Controlling news can change how people think and vote.
- Family Can Be Tough: His kids’ fights show business and family don’t always mix easy.
- Scandals Happen: Big success often comes with big headaches.
- Spread Out: Owning lots of different media has built his wealth.
Disclaimer
This article uses info from public sources and estimates. Some details, like exact wealth or private family matters, might not be 100% accurate.