Rupert Murdoch resigns: A glimpse into Fox News founder’s journey
Fox News Founder Rupert Murdoch Steps Down, Son Lachlan Takes the Helm
Fox News founder Rupert Murdoch has announced his departure from the network, marking the end of a long and controversial career. In a move that surprised many, he has handed over the reins to his son Lachlan, who will now serve as chairman of both Fox and News Corp.
Introducing Lachlan Murdoch: The New Face of Fox News
Let’s delve into the beginnings of Lachlan Murdoch’s journey, which started in Australia.
Lachlan Murdoch was born in 1931 in Melbourne, Australia, to Sir Keith Murdoch, a renowned figure in journalism known for his fearless coverage of the Gallipoli campaign during World War I. Following his father’s passing in 1952, Rupert Murdoch inherited the News, a prominent newspaper with 75,000 readers at the time. Taking charge at just 21 years old, he became the editor and publisher, with ambitions to take the business to unprecedented heights. He also assumed a position at News Ltd., further expanding his influence over Australian media.
However, Rupert Murdoch’s ambitions didn’t stop there. He set his sights on international expansion.
In 1969, Murdoch made his first major move by acquiring the United Kingdom’s News Of The World and the Sun tabloid. With these acquisitions, he transformed into a true media mogul. The Sun, a small paper purchased for less than $1 million, underwent a remarkable transformation, becoming the epitome of a modern tabloid. Described as “a stew of sexual titillation, moral outrage, and political aggression” by the Economist, the Sun’s new strategy revolved around “sex, sport, and contests.” This approach paid off, capturing the attention of British society. Meanwhile, News of the World became the most widely read English language weekly worldwide.
Not content with his success in the UK, Murdoch set his sights on the United States.
In the 1970s, Murdoch replicated his winning formula in the US, acquiring the New York Post for $30 million in 1976. The 1980s marked a period of fervent support for President Ronald Reagan and UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, as well as expansion into broadcasting. Murdoch’s alignment with these conservative leaders allowed him to expand his media empire while avoiding regulatory obstacles. In 1985, he laid the foundation for his most lucrative venture yet by purchasing 50% of 21st Century Fox. A decade later, in 1996, he co-founded Fox News with former Nixon adviser Roger Ailes. With the repeal of the “fairness doctrine,” Murdoch embraced partisanship, attracting a massive and loyal viewer base. His ability to strategically back winning candidates, even switching allegiance to the Labor Party when Conservative fortunes waned, solidified his reputation as a kingmaker in the English-speaking political landscape.
However, Murdoch’s journey was not without its share of scandals and controversies.
In the 2000s, the News of the World was embroiled in a major scandal when it was revealed that the publication had hacked the phones of prominent figures to obtain stories. Not even members of the British royal family or a murdered schoolgirl were spared from this unethical practice. The fallout included a government inquiry, the arrest of the royal editor, and Murdoch’s decision to shut down the paper in 2011 to contain the damage.
More recently, Fox News faced challenges of its own.
In 2020, the network was already grappling with a sexual misconduct scandal involving co-founder Roger Ailes when it came under fire for airing claims of election fraud from former President Donald Trump. Dominion, the company accused of vote-switching by some hosts and guests, successfully sued Fox for defamation, resulting in a hefty $787.5 million settlement. Adding to the turmoil, Fox News abruptly fired its popular host Tucker Carlson, leaving viewers stunned.
Now, as Rupert Murdoch steps down, his media empire faces its greatest test yet. It will be up to Lachlan Murdoch to navigate the troubled waters and steer the ship towards calmer shores.
What role did conservative leaders play in fueling the rise of Fox News under Rupert Murdoch’s leadership?
Vative leaders fueled his rise in American media. He launched the Fox Broadcasting Company in 1986, with the Fox Television Stations and Fox News Channel following in the 1990s.
Under Rupert Murdoch’s leadership, Fox News became a dominant force in conservative media. Known for its conservative bias and provocative programming, the network attracted a large and loyal viewer base. However, it also faced its share of controversies, including accusations of biased reporting and sexual harassment scandals. Despite these challenges, Fox News remained a highly influential and profitable entity within the media landscape.
As Rupert Murdoch steps down, his son Lachlan Murdoch assumes the role of chairman of both Fox and News Corp. Lachlan, who has been working alongside his father for many years, is no stranger to the media industry. He has held various positions within the Murdoch empire, including executive chairman of 21st Century Fox and co-chairman of News Corp. Lachlan has played a significant role in shaping the direction of the company and has already made key decisions such as the sale of 21st Century Fox’s entertainment assets to Disney.
With Lachlan Murdoch at the helm, Fox News may see a shift in its trajectory. While it is expected that the network will continue to cater to its conservative audience, there is potential for a more moderate and inclusive approach under new leadership. Lachlan has expressed a desire to foster a more open and diverse workplace culture, which could lead to changes in the network’s programming and messaging.
Additionally, Lachlan Murdoch’s leadership may also bring about a focus on expanding Fox News internationally. With Rupert Murdoch’s track record of international acquisitions, it is possible that Lachlan will follow in his father’s footsteps and seek opportunities for growth in global markets.
What remains to be seen is how Lachlan Murdoch will navigate the increasingly polarized media landscape. With the rise of alternative news sources and the ongoing debate surrounding the role of media in society, Fox News faces new challenges in maintaining its position as a leading news outlet. Lachlan will need to strike a delicate balance between catering to the network’s loyal conservative audience and addressing the growing demand for unbiased and fact-based reporting.
Regardless of the direction Fox News takes under Lachlan Murdoch’s leadership, one thing is clear: the departure of Rupert Murdoch marks the end of an era. As the founder of Fox News, his influence and impact on the media industry cannot be overstated. Whether praised or criticized, Rupert Murdoch leaves behind a legacy that has shaped the landscape of news and politics. It now falls to his son Lachlan to carry on the Murdoch legacy and steer Fox News into the future.
Only time will tell how Lachlan Murdoch’s leadership will shape the network, but one thing is for certain: the Murdoch name will continue to be synonymous with media power and influence for years to come.
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