Rupert Murdoch is 94 years old. Honestly, it’s a bit of a mind-bender when you really look at the timeline. Born on March 11, 1931, in Melbourne, Australia, he has spent over seven decades shaping—and some would say shaking—the global landscape of news and politics. While most people his age are well into their second decade of retirement, Murdoch’s name is still splashed across headlines, though usually now in the context of inheritance battles and "Chairman Emeritus" titles.
You’ve probably seen the headlines about his "retirement" back in late 2023. But for a guy who essentially built the modern media world from a single afternoon paper in Adelaide, "stepping down" doesn't mean disappearing. In 2026, he remains a figure of intense fascination, not just because of the sheer reach of Fox News or The Wall Street Journal, but because of the biological reality of his longevity.
How Old is Rupert Murdoch Right Now?
To be exact, as of today in January 2026, Murdoch is in his 95th year of life. He will officially turn 95 this coming March.
It’s hard to overstate how long that span of time actually is. When Rupert Murdoch was born, Herbert Hoover was the U.S. President, and the "Star-Spangled Banner" had just been officially adopted as the national anthem. He’s lived through the Great Depression, World War II, the rise and fall of the Soviet Union, and the birth of the internet. Most of the people currently running for political office in the countries where he owns newspapers weren't even born when he already owned a media empire.
He’s currently the Chairman Emeritus of Fox Corporation and News Corp. Basically, he’s the "elder statesman" of the company, leaving the day-to-day grind to his eldest son, Lachlan.
A Timeline of Longevity
- 1931: Born in Melbourne to Sir Keith Murdoch.
- 1952: Takes over The News in Adelaide at age 21 after his father’s death.
- 1969: Buys The Sun and News of the World in the UK.
- 1985: Becomes a U.S. citizen to satisfy TV ownership laws.
- 2023: Steps down as Chairman of Fox and News Corp.
- 2025: A major family settlement solidifies Lachlan’s future control.
The 2025 Settlement and the Succession Drama
We can't talk about how old is Rupert Murdoch without talking about who comes next. If you’ve watched the show Succession, you know the vibe. For years, there was a massive legal tug-of-war behind the scenes in Nevada. Rupert wanted to ensure that Lachlan, his eldest son and the one most aligned with his conservative editorial views, would have permanent control over the family trust after Rupert passes away.
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This wasn't just a "who gets the money" thing. It was a "who gets the votes" thing.
His other children—James, Elisabeth, and Prudence—weren't exactly thrilled with the idea of being sidelined. They fought it. However, in September 2025, a landmark settlement was reached. While the specifics of the $3.3 billion payout to the siblings made waves, the real kicker was that Lachlan was confirmed as the sole successor. He’ll hold the keys until at least 2050.
Health and the "Murdoch Genes"
People often ask about his health. Is he still sharp?
Murdoch’s mother, Dame Elisabeth Murdoch, lived to be 103. She was a powerhouse in her own right, active in philanthropy until the very end. That kind of genetic heritage is nothing to sneeze at. While Rupert has appeared "withered" in some recent photographs—notably those in the Oval Office with Donald Trump in early 2025—he is still reportedly engaged with the news cycle.
He’s also not exactly living a quiet bachelor life. In June 2024, at age 93, he married Elena Zhukova, a retired molecular biologist. It was his fifth marriage. You’ve gotta admit, the guy has more energy than most 60-year-olds.
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The Legal Battles of 2026
Age hasn't insulated him from the courtroom. Even though he’s technically retired, his name is still attached to some pretty heavy litigation.
Right now, there's a negligence case moving through the Manhattan courts involving the family of Oleksandra Kuvshynov, a Ukrainian journalist killed while working for Fox News. While a judge recently dismissed some specific claims against Murdoch personally, the discovery process is still looming. He’s also recently been a target of defamation suits, including a massive $10 billion claim from Donald Trump against various media entities, though that specific case has seen Murdoch’s News Corp assets dancing around the line of fire.
What Does 94 Years of Influence Look Like?
When you ask how old is Rupert Murdoch, you're really asking about the duration of his influence. He didn't just buy newspapers; he created a style of "tabloid" journalism that changed the way people consume information.
From the "Wapping dispute" in the 80s that broke the power of British print unions to the launch of Fox News in 1996, his fingerprint is on every major political shift in the West for the last forty years. Whether you love him or loathe him, his ability to stay relevant at 94 is a case study in power.
Why We Are Still Obsessed With His Age
The obsession with Murdoch's age stems from the power vacuum his eventual departure will create. Even with the 2025 settlement, the "Murdoch Empire" is a sprawling, multi-billion-dollar beast.
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- Fox News: Still the dominant voice in conservative U.S. cable news.
- The Wall Street Journal: A global financial pillar.
- The Times of London: An institution in British life.
- The New York Post: The quintessential American tabloid.
At 94, Rupert is the last of the old-school "Press Barons." Most media today is owned by faceless conglomerates or tech billionaires who treat news like a data stream. Murdoch treats it like a weapon and a tool.
Actionable Steps for Following the Story
If you’re tracking the Murdoch legacy or the future of his media holdings, don't just look at the stock price. The real story is in the SEC filings and the trust updates.
- Monitor News Corp's Quarterly Reports: These filings often contain subtle details about executive transitions and the role of the "Chairman Emeritus."
- Follow the Nevada Trust Proceedings: While many details are sealed, the legal battles between the siblings are where the future of the editorial "voice" (especially for Fox News) will be decided.
- Watch the 2026 Elections: Media influence is most visible during election cycles. Seeing how News Corp outlets navigate the current political climate tells you exactly how much of Rupert’s "voice" is still behind the curtain.
Rupert Murdoch’s age is more than just a number on a Wikipedia page; it’s a countdown for the future of conservative media. As he approaches 95, the world remains on "Murdoch Watch," waiting to see how the final act of this 70-year drama plays out.
Fact Check Summary: * Current Age: 94 (born March 11, 1931).
- Role: Chairman Emeritus of Fox Corp and News Corp.
- Latest News: 2025 succession settlement gave control to Lachlan Murdoch.
- Status: Active, recently married (2024), and involved in ongoing legal discovery regarding News Corp assets.