Who owns Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp? This question has intrigued many as the media conglomerate continues to dominate the global news landscape. Rupert Murdoch, an Australian-American media magnate, founded News Corp in 1979, and since then, it has grown into one of the largest media organizations in the world. Understanding the ownership structure of News Corp is crucial in analyzing its influence and the potential conflicts of interest it may face.
The ownership of News Corp is a complex web of entities and individuals. Rupert Murdoch himself retains a significant stake in the company. He is the executive chairman and largest individual shareholder, with approximately 39% of the voting rights. His son, James Murdoch, serves as the CEO and also holds a substantial share in the company. Together, they have a strong influence over the strategic direction and editorial decisions of News Corp.
Apart from the Murdoch family, there are other significant shareholders who own a portion of News Corp. The second-largest shareholder is the Singaporean sovereign wealth fund, GIC, which holds approximately 14% of the company’s voting rights. Other notable shareholders include the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan and the Vanguard Group, each holding around 5% of the voting rights.
The ownership structure of News Corp has faced scrutiny in the past, particularly due to the controversial practices of its newspapers, such as the News of the World phone-hacking scandal. This incident led to the closure of the newspaper and investigations into the company’s operations. As a result, some shareholders have expressed concerns about the transparency and accountability of the Murdoch family’s control over the company.
Despite the controversies, News Corp has continued to expand its media empire. The company owns a diverse range of assets, including newspapers, television networks, and digital properties. Its newspaper division includes The Wall Street Journal, The Times of London, and The Australian. The television division encompasses Fox News, Fox Broadcasting, and the 21st Century Fox film studio. Additionally, News Corp has a significant presence in the digital media space through its online properties, such as MarketWatch and The Daily.
The ownership of Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp is a reflection of the power and influence of the Murdoch family in the media industry. With a strong presence in various sectors, News Corp continues to shape public opinion and media consumption across the globe. However, the ongoing debates about transparency, accountability, and ethical practices highlight the challenges that come with such significant ownership control. As the media landscape evolves, it remains to be seen how the ownership structure of News Corp will adapt and what impact it will have on the company’s future.
