Rupert Murdoch, 92, moves into new role in next stage of 70-year career that’s shaped media world
SUN boss Rupert Murdoch is moving to a new role as Chairman Emeritus of our publisher News Corp, and Fox Corporation.
Mr Murdoch said "the time is right" to take on different roles, which will see him continuing to provide counsel and advice to both companies.
The 92-year old, who launched the Sun as a tabloid more than 50 years ago, and revolutionised how live football is watched in the UK with the launch of Sky Sports - will make the switch in mid-November.
His son Lachlan Murdoch, 52, will become the sole Chair of News Corp, and continue as Executive Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Fox Corporation.
In a message to colleagues today, Rupert Murdoch said the "time is right for me to take on different roles, knowing that we have truly talented teams and a passionate, principled leader in Lachlan who will become sole Chairman of both companies".
He added: "Our companies are in robust health, as am I. Our opportunities far exceed our commercial challenges. We have every reason to be optimistic about the coming years - I certainly am, and plan to be here to participate in them.
"But the battle for the freedom of speech and, ultimately, the freedom of thought, has never been more intense.
"My father firmly believed in freedom, and Lachlan is absolutely committed to the cause. Self-serving bureaucracies are seeking to silence those who would question their provenance and purpose.
"Elites have open contempt for those who are not members of their rarefied class. Most of the media is in cahoots with those elites, peddling political narratives rather than pursuing the truth.
"In my new role, I can guarantee you that I will be involved every day in the contest of ideas.
"Our companies are communities, and I will be an active member of our community. I will be watching our broadcasts with a critical eye, reading our newspapers and websites and books with much interest, and reaching out to you with thoughts, ideas and advice.
"When I visit your countries and companies, you can expect to see me in the office late on a Friday afternoon."
In a statement, Lachlan Murdoch said: "On behalf of the FOX and News Corp boards of directors and leadership teams, I congratulate my dad on an incredible nearly 70-year career.
"We thank him for his vision, his pioneering spirit, his steadfast determination, and the enduring legacy he leaves to the companies he founded and countless people he has impacted.
"We are grateful that he will serve as Chairman Emeritus and know he will continue to provide valued counsel to both companies."
Media minister John Whittingdale, a former Culture Secretary, said: “Rupert Murdoch is a giant of the media industry who revolutionised both newspapers and television in the UK, extending choice and bringing popular entertainment to millions.”
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt told LBC that he had a “defining influence on all of our lives over the last half century” and “was one of the giants of his era.”
Sun columnist Piers Morgan described Rupert as a “bold, brilliant, visionary leader whose audacity and tenacity built a magnificently successful global media empire”.
He added: “It’s been a privilege to work for him on and off for the past 30 years, and an ongoing masterclass in journalism and business.”
John Ryley, the head of Sky News from 2006 to earlier this year, said Rupert was a “big disruptor who backed high-quality journalism in the UK”.
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Sir Jeremy Darroch, the former chief executive of Sky, said: “Rupert has been absolutely fantastic. He has had such a huge impression and shaped the industry globally.