Who owns the Wall Street Journal and Fox News remains a crucial question as media consolidation continues shaping America’s information landscape. Both influential outlets operate under the control of Australian-born media mogul Rupert Murdoch through his sprawling corporate empire, creating one of the most powerful media dynasties in modern history.
Rupert Murdoch, owner of Fox News, The Wall Street Journal, and numerous other media properties worldwide, continues to wield significant influence over American political discourse and financial journalism through his strategic positioning at the helm of these major outlets.
The Murdoch Media Empire Structure
The Journal is published six days a week by Dow Jones & Company, a division of News Corp, which serves as the parent company for Murdoch’s publishing assets. News Corp operates as one of two primary holding companies in Murdoch’s media portfolio, with Fox Corporation handling broadcast operations.
Read Also-Who Owns Fox News: Murdoch Family Maintains Control Through Trust Structure
The ownership structure becomes more complex when examining the family trust arrangements. Murdoch family’s ownership in News Corp is managed by the Murdoch Family Trust, which controls the voting shares across both companies. This trust arrangement ensures family control over editorial direction and strategic decisions.
In September 2024 Rupert Murdoch applied to a Nevada probate court to remove voting rights from his children other than Lachlan, indicating ongoing succession planning within the family structure.
Key Points Summary
- Wall Street Journal Owner: Dow Jones & Company, a News Corp division
- Fox News Owner: Fox Corporation, controlled by Murdoch family interests
- Ultimate Control: Rupert Murdoch through Murdoch Family Trust
- Leadership Transition: Lachlan Murdoch succeeded as chairman of News Corp in September 2023
- CEO Extension: Robert Thomson’s contract extended to June 2030
Current Ownership Developments in 2025
Recent events highlight the interconnected nature of who owns the Wall Street Journal and Fox News. The Wall Street Journal shares common ownership with Fox, as both operate under Murdoch’s control through separate corporate structures designed to manage different media segments.
In July 2025, Murdoch was sued by Trump for $10 billion along with The Wall Street Journal’s parent company Dow Jones over reporting disputes, demonstrating how ownership structures become relevant during legal challenges.
The corporate separation allows News Corp to focus on publishing and digital content while Fox Corporation manages broadcast television and streaming services. This strategic division helps optimize operations while maintaining unified editorial oversight.
Leadership and Succession Planning
The Murdoch empire faces ongoing succession questions as Rupert Murdoch is 93 years old. Current arrangements position Lachlan Murdoch as the primary successor, having already assumed chairman responsibilities at News Corp.
When he dies, control of News Corp — including Fox News — goes equally to his four children under original trust terms, though recent legal actions suggest attempts to consolidate control with Lachlan before that transition occurs.
The leadership team includes key figures like Robert Thomson, who maintains operational control as CEO of News Corp through his recently extended contract, ensuring continuity in day-to-day management regardless of ownership succession outcomes.
Impact on Media Landscape
Understanding who owns the Wall Street Journal and Fox News reveals how concentrated media ownership affects information distribution across different audience segments. The Wall Street Journal maintains its reputation for financial journalism while Fox News operates as a prominent conservative television network.
This dual ownership creates unique market positioning, allowing Murdoch’s companies to reach both business-focused readers seeking financial analysis and politically engaged viewers consuming cable news content. The arrangement demonstrates how modern media empires leverage multiple platforms for maximum audience reach.
Both outlets continue operating with distinct editorial approaches despite shared ownership, reflecting strategic decisions to maintain separate brand identities while benefiting from corporate synergies and shared resources.
The ownership question extends beyond simple corporate charts to encompass broader discussions about media concentration, editorial independence, and the influence of individual media barons on public discourse. As succession planning continues evolving, these ownership structures will likely face additional scrutiny from regulators, competitors, and media analysts monitoring changes in America’s information ecosystem.
Stay informed about these important media ownership developments and share your thoughts on how concentrated media control affects news coverage in today’s rapidly changing landscape.