Fox News, a prominent American multinational conservative news channel, has a well-documented ownership history. Founded by Rupert Murdoch and Roger Ailes, it launched on October 7, 1996.
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Key Ownership Transitions
Initially, Fox News was under News Corporation (1996-2013), then 21st Century Fox (2013-2019), and currently, it operates under Fox Corporation (2019-present) as part of Fox News Media.
Current Structure
Fox Corporation has two classes of common stock. The Murdoch family maintains significant influence with roughly 40% ownership.
Leadership
Lachlan Murdoch is the Executive Chair and CEO of Fox, responsible for the company’s portfolio.
Murdoch’s Role
Rupert Murdoch serves as Chairman Emeritus of both Fox Corporation and News Corp.
Influence and Stability
Unlike some media companies that have seen mergers and acquisitions, Fox News’ ownership has been relatively stable. The Murdoch family’s control ensures their vision and strategy continue to shape the network’s direction.
Public Trading and Investment
While the Murdoch family retains significant control, Fox is publicly traded. This allows for indirect investment in Fox News through purchasing shares of Fox Corporation. Investors should be aware of the two classes of stock: Class A Non-Voting Common Stock and Class B Voting Common Stock (NYSE).
Criticism and Concerns
The concentrated ownership and influence of the Murdoch family have drawn criticism. Concerns are often raised about potential bias in reporting and the impact of a single family’s values on a major news outlet. The ongoing debate focuses on whether this level of control serves the public interest and ensures balanced, objective journalism.
Future Outlook
With Rupert Murdoch’s advancing age, questions about the future leadership and ownership structure of Fox News are frequently discussed. Recent reports suggest potential shifts in control, with Lachlan Murdoch potentially taking a more prominent role. These changes could have significant implications for the network’s programming, editorial direction, and overall influence on the media landscape.
