Rupert Murdoch steps down as chairman of Fox, News Corp; Lachlan Murdoch to succeed
Rupert Murdoch is stepping down as chairman of News Corp and Fox, and has named his eldest son Lachlan Murdoch as his successor.
First reported by News Corp-owned Wall Street Journal, Rupert Murdoch announced in a memo to staff that he would depart his role in both companies in November’s annual general meeting.
Rupert and Lachlan Murdoch. Photo: News Corp
Murdoch, now 92 years old, will be appointed chairman emeritus. Lachlan Murdoch is set to take over News Corp as the sole chairman, while continuing as executive chair and CEO of Fox.
“For my entire professional life, I have been engaged daily with news and ideas, and that will not change. But the time is right for me to take on different roles,” Rupert Murdoch said in the memo.
In 1952 he inherited his father’s interests in the Adelaide News. After becoming editor, publisher and a member of the board of News Limited the following year, he took control of News Limited in 1954.
He expanded his media empire into the UK in the 1960s, and then into the US in the 1980s, moving into television and film in addition to the print assets.
“On behalf of the Fox and News Corp boards of directors, leadership teams, and all the shareholders who have benefited from his hard work, I congratulate my father on his remarkable 70-year career,” said Lachlan Murdoch in a statement.
“We thank him for his vision, his pioneering spirit, his steadfast determination, and the enduring legacy he leaves to the companies he founded and countless people he has impacted.
“We are grateful that he will serve as chairman emeritus and know he will continue to provide valued counsel to both companies.”
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Darcy Song was a reporter at Mumbrella, covering media owners, adtech and social platforms. She left in October 2023.
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