Rupert Murdoch’s Net Worth 2025: From Local Papers to Global Dominance
Rupert Murdoch is a name that has been synonymous with media power for decades. From newspapers and television networks to film studios, Murdoch has built one of the most formidable media empires in history. As of 2025, the Australian-born business tycoon boasts a staggering net worth of $19 billion, making him one of the wealthiest figures in the global media industry. But how did he get here? Let’s take a deep dive into Murdoch’s career, wealth, and personal life.
The Man Behind the Empire: Rupert Murdoch’s Career Journey
Murdoch’s journey to media dominance began in 1952, when he inherited The News, a modest newspaper in Adelaide, Australia, from his father. With a keen business sense and an appetite for expansion, Murdoch started acquiring struggling newspapers across Australia, transforming them into highly profitable publications.
His ambitions didn’t stop there. In the 1960s and 70s, he set his sights on the United Kingdom, purchasing major newspapers such as The Sun and News of the World. By the 1980s, he had expanded into the United States, acquiring the New York Post and later The Wall Street Journal.
Perhaps one of his most notable moves was the 1986 launch of the Fox Broadcasting Company. Initially dismissed as an underdog, Fox quickly became a media powerhouse, challenging the dominance of ABC, NBC, and CBS.
In 2013, Murdoch split his empire into two major companies:
- News Corp (focused on print media)
- 21st Century Fox (focused on television and film)
His biggest business move came in 2019, when Disney acquired 21st Century Fox for $71 billion. As part of this deal, Murdoch walked away with a hefty sum, including $12 billion in Disney stock.
Rupert Murdoch’s Net Worth in 2025
Murdoch’s net worth in 2025 is estimated at $19 billion. His wealth primarily stems from his holdings in News Corp, Fox Corporation, and his Disney stock. He still owns 39% of Fox Corporation, which includes assets like:
- Fox News
- The Wall Street Journal
- The New York Post
- The Times of London
Even after selling much of his television empire to Disney, Murdoch’s fortune remains solid, ensuring his place among the world’s richest media tycoons.
How Much Does Rupert Murdoch Earn?
While his net worth is in the billions, Murdoch’s annual salary and earnings come from dividends and stock returns. His stake in Fox Corporation alone is worth $4 billion, providing him with substantial yearly income.
Murdoch’s annual salary varies depending on stock performance and company profits, but he is estimated to take home tens of millions each year. In addition to business income, his vast real estate holdings add even more value to his financial portfolio.
Rupert Murdoch’s Personal Life: Family, Age & Relationships
As of 2025, Rupert Murdoch is 94 years old. Born on March 11, 1931, in Melbourne, Australia, he has spent most of his life expanding his media empire.
Murdoch has been married four times:
- Patricia Booker (1956–1967)
- Anna Maria Torv (1967–1999) – The divorce settlement cost him $1.7 billion.
- Wendi Deng (1999–2013)
- Jerry Hall (2016–2022) – They divorced in 2022.
Murdoch has six children, many of whom have followed in his media footsteps. His son Lachlan Murdoch is the current CEO of Fox Corporation, while his other children, including James and Elisabeth Murdoch, have also played roles in his empire over the years.
The Controversies: Scandals & Legal Battles
Murdoch’s career hasn’t been without controversy. In 2011, he was embroiled in the infamous phone-hacking scandal, where journalists from his publications were accused of hacking into the phones of celebrities, politicians, and even the British royal family. This scandal led to investigations by the FBI and British authorities, and Murdoch had to step down as director of News International.
He was also one of the biggest investors duped in the Theranos scandal, losing millions when Elizabeth Holmes’ fraudulent blood-testing company collapsed.
The Billionaire’s Real Estate Empire
In addition to media, Murdoch has invested heavily in real estate, owning some of the most luxurious properties around the world. Here are just a few highlights of his portfolio:
- A $30 million Beverly Hills estate (sold to his son James Murdoch)
- A $57 million penthouse in One Madison, NYC
- A $200 million, 340,000-acre ranch in Montana
- A 16-acre vineyard estate in Bel-Air, Los Angeles
- A Georgian townhouse in New York’s Upper East Side, bought for $23 million
These assets further add to Murdoch’s staggering wealth, ensuring his financial dominance even in retirement.
Whether you love him or hate him, there’s no denying Rupert Murdoch’s influence in shaping the media industry as we know it.
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