Birth place: Melbourne, Australia
Birth name: Keith Rupert Murdoch
Father: Keith Murdoch, journalist and newspaper publisher
Mother: Elisabeth (Greene) Murdoch, philanthropist
Marriages: Wendi (Deng) Murdoch (1999-2013, divorce); Anna (Torv) Murdoch (1967-1999, divorce); Patricia (Booker) Murdoch (1956-1967, divorce)
Children: with Wendi (Deng) Murdoch: Chloe, 2003; Grace, 2001; with Anna (Torv) Murdoch: James, December 13, 1972; Lachlan, 1971; Elisabeth, 1968; with Patricia (Booker) Murdoch: Prudence, 1958
Education: Worcester College, Oxford University, 1953
Other Facts:
Founder of News Corporation, Ltd., which has holdings in cable, film, television, internet, direct broadcast satellite television, sports, publishing and other fields.
–
April 26, 2012 – Murdoch testifies before the same committee. He admits to a cover-up of abuses at News of the World and apologizes for not paying more attention to the scandal.
May 1, 2012 – British lawmakers investigating phone hacking at News of the World declare that Rupert Murdoch is not a “fit person to exercise the stewardship of a major international company.”
June 28, 2012 – News Corp. confirms that it plans to split into two publicly traded companies, one company for its television and film assets and the other for its newspaper and book publishing entities. Once the split is completed, Rupert Murdoch will serve as chairman of both companies and will also serve as CEO of the media and entertainment company.
July 21, 2012 – A News International spokesman says that Rupert Murdoch has stepped down from a number of company boards of directors, both in the U.K. and the U.S.
October 13, 2012 – Murdoch tweets about “scumbag” celebrities. Many speculated he was referring to singer Charlotte Church and television presenter Jacqui Hames after they met with British Prime Minister David Cameron to discuss the potential reform of Britain’s media laws. Murdoch tweets later that he wasn’t referring to “particular people” and apologizes for his language.
December 2012 – James Murdoch becomes deputy COO of the Fox Group.
March 2014 – Forbes names Murdoch, with a net worth of $13.5 billion, number 78 on its annual World’s Billionaires list. He is tied with John Paulson.
January 2015 – Following the Paris terror attacks, Murdoch is criticized for tweeting “Maybe most Moslems peaceful, but until they recognize and destroy their growing jihadist cancer they must be held responsible.” Later he tries to clarify his comments by tweeting “Certainly did not mean all Muslims responsible for Paris attack. But Muslim community must debate and confront extremism.”
