Portrait of Rupert Murdoch
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Rupert Murdoch on Fox News

Controls and directs (strong)

TL;DR

Rupert Murdoch established Fox News as a key asset and has historically maintained directorial control over its strategic and political alignment.

Key Points

  • He acknowledged in 2023 that some Fox News commentators endorsed election fraud claims they knew were false during the Dominion Voting Systems lawsuit.

  • The media mogul structured his succession deal to ensure that the direction of Fox News would not change after his death, with his chosen heir taking control.

  • He was the executive chairman of Fox Corporation, which includes the Fox News Channel, until he retired in September 2023.

Summary

Rupert Murdoch is the founder and executive chairman of Fox Corporation, which owns the Fox News Channel, placing him in a foundational and governing position regarding the network. His involvement has been characterized by ensuring the channel maintains a specific political orientation, often described as right-wing bias, to support his business interests and political allies. This influence was demonstrated during the 2020 election cycle when internal communications revealed that some Fox News commentators were endorsing election fraud claims that the network's leadership, including the magnate, knew to be false, leading to a major settlement in 2023.

His approach to the network is tied to a broader philosophy evident across his media holdings, which involves promoting a specific free-market ideology and maintaining opposition to what he perceives as liberal bias in other media. Even as he stepped down as chairman of Fox Corp. in September 2023, handing leadership to his son, the succession plan was deliberately structured to ensure no change in the direction of Fox News following his death. His actions underscore a consistent view that the network is a vital tool for shaping political discourse according to his vision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Although Rupert Murdoch announced his retirement as chairman of Fox Corporation in September 2023, he established the framework for control that ensures the network's direction remains consistent. His influence stems from his founding role and the structure of the family trust that owns the corporation. He designated his son as the heir apparent to maintain this trajectory.

Murdoch has publicly stated that he gives instructions to his editors around the world, though he previously denied giving direct instructions in London. More recently, during the Dominion lawsuit, he acknowledged that some network commentators promoted false election fraud claims. He views the network as a crucial element in advancing his political views.

In connection with the defamation lawsuit by Dominion Voting Systems against Fox News, Rupert Murdoch acknowledged that some of the network's commentators were endorsing election fraud claims that they knew were not true. This admission came as part of the proceedings that ultimately led to a major settlement. He has long supported the network's overall conservative mission.