In recent years, the Murdoch family’s dominance in U.S. media has faced both internal challenges and new external competition. Rupert Murdoch, who built Fox News, The Wall Street Journal, and other influential outlets, spent decades shaping conservative media in America. Under Donald Trump’s presidency, Fox became a central platform for right-wing politics, cementing its power. But as Rupert stepped back due to age, a bitter family dispute unfolded over who would control the empire. That battle ended in 2025 when Lachlan Murdoch, Rupert’s elder son, secured sole authority through a new trust, while his siblings cashed out their stakes. This shift consolidated control but also closed the door on more moderate voices within the family. At the same time, other wealthy families and entrepreneurs have begun building or buying media ventures that challenge the Murdoch dominance, particularly in digital and streaming platforms. Together, these developments mark the rise of a “new family empire” in U.S. media—one that rivals the Murdochs not just through television and newspapers but also through technology-driven outlets with growing political influence.
For decades, the Murdoch family has been synonymous with conservative-leaning media power in the United States, largely through Rupert Murdoch’s empire of Fox News, The Wall Street Journal, and the New York Post. These outlets helped shape public opinion, influence elections, and dominate the media landscape. But as Rupert aged, questions about succession loomed, and tensions among his children created uncertainty about the future of the empire. In 2025, that uncertainty ended when Lachlan Murdoch secured full control through a restructured family trust, while his siblings gave up their stakes for massive cash payouts. This resolution not only cemented Lachlan as the new face of the Murdoch dynasty but also concentrated the company’s ideological direction, likely ensuring Fox and other outlets remain firmly conservative in tone.
At the same time, U.S. media is seeing the rise of other wealthy families and individuals building rival empires. Unlike the Murdochs, who built their empire around television and newspapers, these new players often operate in digital-first spaces, streaming platforms, and tech-driven news outlets. Families connected to Silicon Valley wealth and politically aligned billionaires have poured resources into media ventures designed to sway narratives, mobilize audiences, and disrupt traditional news markets. Some of these ventures focus heavily on podcasts, social media channels, and streaming video rather than cable television, allowing them to reach younger, more online audiences that traditional outlets sometimes struggle to capture.
