Through his companies, News Corp and Fox Corporation, Murdoch built one of the world's most substantial portfolios of newspaper and broadcast holdings.
Murdoch's wealth was estimated at $17.3 billion by Forbes on Thursday when he announced he was handing the reins to son Lachlan while shifting to an"emeritus" status at the two companies.The business includes Murdoch's holdings in his birth country of Australia - led by The Australian, the lone national daily started by Murdoch in 1964.
In 1981, he purchased the prestigious daily The Times, along with The Sunday Times, adding to a print news business that also included The Sun.News Corp is also present in Ireland with local radio stations.Murdoch's push in North America dates to 1985 with his purchase of the New York Post. News Corp also controls Rea Group, which specialises in commercial and residential real estate through websites such as realtor.com and flatmates.com.au.Fox Corporation