Rupert Murdoch net worth has long been a topic of curiosity, given his influence in the media industry. How did he amass his wealth, and what are his main income sources?
With decades of strategic acquisitions and business moves, he built an empire spanning News Corp, Fox Corporation, and major publishing houses.
This article explores his financial journey, salary, assets, and the impact of his billion-dollar deals.
Rupert Murdoch Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Keith Rupert Murdoch |
| Popular Name | Rupert Murdoch |
| Birth Date | March 11, 1931 |
| Age | 94 (as of March 13, 2025) |
| Birthplace | Melbourne, Australia |
| Nationality | Australian (became U.S. citizen in 1985) |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Education | University of Oxford, Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Patricia Booker (m. 1956; div. 1967) Anna Maria Torv (m. 1967; div. 1999) Wendi Deng (m. 1999; div. 2013) Jerry Hall (m. 2016; div. 2022) Elena Zhukova (m. 2024) |
| Children | Lachlan Murdoch, James Murdoch, Elisabeth Murdoch, Chloe Murdoch, Grace Murdoch, Prudence Murdoch |
| Dating | N/A |
| Siblings | Helen Murdoch (sister) |
| Parents | Sir Keith Murdoch (father), Elisabeth Murdoch (mother) |
| Height | 1.78 meters |
| Net Worth | Estimated $19 billion |
| Source of Wealth | Media empire (News Corp, 21st Century Fox, Fox News, The Wall Street Journal, Sky News) |
What is the Net Worth Of Rupert Murdoch in 2025?
Rupert Murdoch net worth in 2025 is estimated at $19 billion, making him one of the wealthiest figures in the media industry.
His fortune stems from his decades-long control over major news and entertainment companies like News Corp, Fox Corporation, and HarperCollins.
His wealth saw a significant shift after selling 21st Century Fox to Disney in 2019, earning $12 billion in Disney stock.
Compared to other media moguls, Murdoch’s net worth remains among the highest. His financial influence extends across news, television, and publishing, cementing his status as a global powerhouse.
Related Figures in Media and Business
- Lachlan Murdoch
- James Murdoch
- Sumner Redstone
- Jeff Bezos
- Michael Bloomberg
- Robert Murdoch (relative business connections)
- Warren Buffett
- Mark Zuckerberg
- Richard Branson
- Elon Musk
His financial status aligns with some of the most successful business figures in history. Want to see who else ranks among the richest celebrities? Check out the full list.
Rupert Murdoch Wealth, Salary and Financial Overview
How Did He Build His Fortune?
Rupert Murdoch started his media journey by inheriting The News, a small newspaper in Adelaide, Australia.
From there, he aggressively expanded, acquiring major publications such as The Sun and The Times in the UK. By the 1970s, he entered the US market, purchasing The New York Post and later The Wall Street Journal. His biggest breakthrough came in 1986, when he launched Fox Broadcasting Company, reshaping American television.
Through News Corp, he controlled a vast network of newspapers, book publishers, and TV channels worldwide. By splitting News Corp and 21st Century Fox in 2013, he optimized his assets, making strategic sales and acquisitions that kept his empire profitable.
What Are His Main Sources of Income?
Murdoch’s income sources are diverse. His wealth flows from:
- News Corp – Owns major newspapers, book publishers, and online media.
- Fox Corporation – Generates revenue from Fox News, Fox Sports, and television broadcasting.
- Publishing Assets – HarperCollins and The Wall Street Journal remain major revenue streams.
- Stock Holdings – Holds 39% stake in Fox Corporation, valued at $4 billion.
- Investment Returns – Profits from past acquisitions and stake sales.
How Much Does He Earn Annually?
Murdoch’s annual earnings fluctuate based on stock performance and corporate profits.
His Fox Corporation stake provides dividend earnings, while News Corp salary adds to his income. His biggest financial boost came from the $71 billion Disney deal, which left him with $12 billion in stock.
His earnings are structured around:
- Executive salary from News Corp and Fox Corporation
- Dividends from his stock holdings
- Real estate investments and asset sales
What Assets Contribute to His Wealth?
Murdoch owns a diverse real estate portfolio, including:
- Montana Ranch – 340,000 acres, purchased for $200 million.
- New York Real Estate – Multiple properties in Manhattan, including a $58 million condo.
- Los Angeles Estates – Luxury homes and vineyard estates in Bel-Air.
- International Holdings – Properties in London and Australia.
Apart from real estate, his media empire remains his largest financial asset, ensuring long-term wealth stability.
What Were the Financial Impacts of the Disney Deal?
The 2019 Disney acquisition of 21st Century Fox marked a significant shift in Murdoch’s finances. The $71 billion sale included movie studios, television networks, and a massive content library. Murdoch’s 17% ownership in Fox resulted in a $12 billion payout in Disney stock, benefiting both him and his heirs.
The deal also restructured his empire, as he retained Fox News, Fox Sports, and The Wall Street Journal under a newly formed Fox Corporation.
How Has His Financial Strategy Evolved Over Time?
Murdoch has always adapted his business strategy:
- Acquiring struggling media outlets and turning them profitable.
- Expanding into broadcasting with Fox News and BSkyB.
- Splitting News Corp and 21st Century Fox to maximize efficiency.
- Selling key assets like 21st Century Fox to secure future financial growth.
Despite controversies, his financial strategies have kept him among the most influential media figures.
What Role Does His Family Play in His Financial Empire?
His children play a crucial role in managing his business.
- Lachlan Murdoch – Controls Fox Corporation, aligning closely with his father’s vision.
- James Murdoch – Previously held leadership roles but distanced himself from Fox.
- Elisabeth Murdoch – Has pursued independent media ventures.
Murdoch’s family trust ensures his fortune remains within the family, though internal conflicts over control persist.
What Controversies Have Affected His Wealth?
Murdoch has faced numerous legal and financial controversies:
- The 2011 phone hacking scandal led to resignations and lawsuits.
- Political influence concerns raised questions about media ethics.
- The Theranos investment loss impacted financial decisions.
Despite these setbacks, his financial empire remains strong.
What Is the Future of His Financial Legacy?
As he steps back, Murdoch’s financial empire is shifting to Lachlan Murdoch. Fox and News Corp are expected to adapt to digital media trends, ensuring future growth. Whether his wealth increases or declines will depend on how well his heirs manage his legacy.
Conclusion
Rupert Murdoch’s financial empire remains one of the most significant in media history. His journey from a small newspaper to a global media giant is a testament to strategic decision-making. Want to explore more financial insights? Visit Aupeo for the latest updates!
