On Rupert Murdoch’s Last Day as News Corp Chair, Mogul Says He Hopes to Keep “Active Role” at Company

Alex Weprin
·2 min read
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Wednesday marks Rupert Murdoch’s last day as chairman of News Corp., the publishing company that formed his initial entry into the U.S. market nearly 50 years ago. His son Lachlan Murdoch, the CEO of Fox Corp., will assume the role of chairman in his place.

But he told shareholders of the company that he does not intend to ride off into the sunset.

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“As you know, I am moving to the role of Chairman Emeritus, and Lachlan will become the sole Chair of News Corp. Lachlan is a principled leader, and a believer in the social purpose of journalism,” Murdoch said at News Corp.’s annual shareholder meeting Wednesday. “I hope to continue an active role in the company.”

Murdoch, 92, delivered the opening remarks, and introduced News Corp.’s CEO Robert Thomson. But he also weighed in on current events, paying tribute to journalists in the Middle East and Ukraine, and specifically highlighting the case of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who is in a Russian jail on espionage charges.

But he also weighed in on the global state of affairs, telling shareholders that “there is no doubt that we should all be concerned about the suppression of debate by an intolerant elite who regard differing opinions as anathema,” and that “the world is facing multiple international crises that demand attention and understanding.”

“After the barbaric attack on Israel and the ensuing tragedies in the region, the rise of virulent antisemitism should be of serious concern to all thoughtful people,” he added.

Thomson, for his part, also thanked Murdoch.

“Thank you, Rupert. And on behalf of all employees at News Corp, I want to express our sincere appreciation for all that you have achieved for News Corp, for journalism and for the societies in which we operate,” Thomson said. “As you indicated, the journey is far from over and there is much more productive toil ahead.”

“Rupert, no amount of alluring alliteration can articulate our gratitude to you,” he added.

But while he says that he intends to stick around in some capacity, he ended his commentary with a farewell reflecting on his past.

“My life has certainly been fortunate,” Murdoch said. “We are blessed to live in a country where dreams are not yet subject to regulation. There are so many inspiring stories around us of those who have created much social good from humble beginnings.”

“Like my father, I believe that humanity has a ‘high destiny, and Lachlan certainly shares that belief,” he added. “That sense of destiny is not just a blessing but a responsibility.”

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