40 Facts About Lachlan Murdoch

Early Life and Education

Lachlan Murdoch's journey began in London and took him across the globe, shaping his future in the media industry.

1. Birth and Early Life: Lachlan Keith Murdoch was born on September 8, 1971, in Wimbledon, London, to Rupert Murdoch and his second wife, Scottish journalist Anna Maria dePeyster (née Torv).

2. Family Background: He is the eldest son of Rupert Murdoch, a media tycoon, and the third child of the family. His mother, Anna Maria, was a Scottish journalist and author.

3. Childhood: Lachlan spent most of his childhood in New York City, where his father owned the New York Post. He attended elite private schools such as the Dalton School and Trinity School.

4. Education: Lachlan received his primary and secondary education at the Aspen Country Day School in Aspen, Colorado, Trinity School in New York City, and Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts. He graduated from Princeton University in 1994 with a bachelor's degree in philosophy.

5. Philosophy Thesis: During his time at Princeton, Lachlan wrote a senior thesis titled "A Study of Freedom and Morality in Kant’s Practical Philosophy," which explored German philosophy and morality.

Early Career and Media Ventures

Lachlan's early career set the stage for his significant roles in the media industry.

6. Early Career: In 1989, at the age of 18, Rupert Murdoch brought Lachlan to Australia for three months to train at the Daily Mirror. This experience laid the groundwork for his future career in the media industry.

7. Media Career: At 22, Lachlan was appointed general manager of Queensland Newspapers, the publisher of Brisbane's Courier-Mail. A year later, he became the publisher of Australia's first national paper, The Australian.

8. News Limited: In 1995, Lachlan was appointed deputy CEO of News Limited, and in 1996, he became an executive director of News Corporation. He later held the position of deputy chief operating officer from 2000.

9. STAR Chairman: Lachlan has been the chairman of STAR since 1995, a significant role in the Asian media landscape.

10. One.Tel Investment: Encouraged by his friend James Packer, Lachlan invested in the telecommunications venture One.Tel. However, this investment led to significant financial losses and criticism. In 2014, he and Packer agreed to a $40 million settlement over the failure of One.Tel.

Personal Life and Business Ventures

Lachlan's personal life and business ventures have been as dynamic as his media career.

11. Personal Life: Lachlan married British-born Australian model/actress Sarah O'Hare in 1999. The couple has two children together.

12. Business Ventures: After leaving News Corp. in 2005, Lachlan started an investment firm that focused on various businesses, including media companies and an Indian Premier League cricket team.

13. Return to News Corp.: In the mid-2010s, Lachlan returned to the family business after a phone-hacking scandal involving News Corp.’s News of the World led to its shutdown. He played a key role in trying to stabilize the company during this period.

14. Cochair of News Corp.: Upon his return, Lachlan and his brother James became cochairs of News Corp. and 21st Century Fox. However, their differing visions for the company's future led to significant internal conflicts.

15. Fox Corporation CEO: In 2019, Rupert Murdoch finalized the sale of most of 21st Century Fox's assets to Disney for $71 billion. Lachlan was appointed CEO of the new Fox Corporation, which includes Fox News, Fox Business, and other television networks.

Wealth and Lifestyle

Lachlan's wealth and lifestyle reflect his status as a media mogul.

16. Net Worth: Lachlan Murdoch is a billionaire, with an estimated net worth of over $1 billion. His wealth is largely tied to his family's media empire.

17. Private Jet: Lachlan owns a private jet, a Gulfstream G550 valued at $90 million. The jet is technically owned by News Corp. but is used by Lachlan for his frequent flights between Sydney and Los Angeles.

18. Luxury Cars: Although the exact number is unclear, it is believed that Lachlan owns multiple luxury cars, including Rolls-Royce, Lamborghini, Ferrari, and Bugatti. He has been associated with Porsche in the past, though there is no evidence he has ordered any Porsche Panamera Gran Turismo cars.

19. Residences: Lachlan owns several multi-million dollar mansions around the world, including properties in Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom. His residences often feature luxurious amenities such as stylishly appointed bathrooms and overlong yachts.

20. Media Influence: As the head of Fox Corporation, Lachlan has been criticized for his role in promoting far-right politics and nationalism through Fox News. His network has been accused of spreading false narratives, particularly during the 2020 U.S. presidential election.

Philosophical Background and Business Failures

Lachlan's academic background and business decisions have shaped his career in unique ways.

21. Philosophical Background: Despite his career in media, Lachlan's academic background in philosophy has been noted. His thesis on Kant's practical philosophy reflects an interest in morality and ethics that contrasts with his later career choices.

22. Business Failures: Lachlan's decision to invest in One.Tel led to significant financial losses for News Corp. This experience has been highlighted in various biographies and media analyses as a major setback in his career.

Family Dynamics and Media Scandals

Lachlan's relationships within his family and involvement in media scandals have been widely discussed.

23. Family Dynamics: The relationship between Lachlan and his father, Rupert, has been complex. There have been reports of disagreements between them, particularly over the management of News Corp. and the direction of Fox News.

24. Brotherly Rivalry: Lachlan's relationship with his brother James has also been subject to scrutiny. The two brothers had differing visions for News Corp. and 21st Century Fox, leading to internal conflicts within the company.

25. Media Scandals: The phone-hacking scandal involving News of the World led to significant reputational damage for News Corp. Lachlan played a key role in trying to mitigate this damage and stabilize the company.

Fox News Controversies and Media Ownership

Lachlan's leadership at Fox News and his media ownership have been controversial.

26. Fox News Controversies: Under Lachlan's leadership, Fox News has been embroiled in several controversies, including allegations of spreading false narratives about the 2020 U.S. presidential election. This has led to multi-billion dollar lawsuits against the network.

27. Media Ownership: As the head of Fox Corporation, Lachlan oversees a vast media empire that includes broadcast networks, television stations, and print publications. This includes Fox Broadcasting Company, Fox Television Stations, Fox News, Fox Business, and Fox Sports.

28. Dow Jones & Company: News Corp. owns Dow Jones & Company, which publishes the prestigious financial newspaper The Wall Street Journal and the stock market index Dow Jones.

29. HarperCollins: News Corp. also owns HarperCollins, a major book publisher. This adds to the conglomerate's diverse portfolio of media assets.

30. Indian Premier League: Lachlan's investment firm has invested in the Indian Premier League cricket team, reflecting his broader interests in sports and entertainment.

Luxuries and Business Jet Usage

Lachlan's luxurious lifestyle and frequent travels highlight his status.

31. Yacht Ownership: Lachlan has been associated with owning a yacht, which he has used for leisure activities. However, there is no clear indication that he currently owns the yacht Sharlou, which was previously linked to him.

32. Business Jet Usage: The Gulfstream G550 private jet owned by News Corp. is used extensively by Lachlan for his frequent business travels. This jet is one of the most advanced business aircraft in the world, known for its ultra-long flight range and high speed.

Media Influence on Politics and Business Ethics

Lachlan's media influence and business ethics have been scrutinized.

33. Media Influence on Politics: Lachlan's role in shaping media narratives has been significant. His network has been accused of influencing political discourse, particularly through its coverage of the 2020 U.S. presidential election.

34. Philosophical Influences: Despite his career in media, Lachlan's academic background in philosophy continues to influence his worldview. His thesis on Kant's practical philosophy reflects an interest in morality and ethics that contrasts with his later career choices.

35. Business Ethics: The ethical implications of Lachlan's business decisions have been subject to scrutiny. His investment in One.Tel and other ventures has raised questions about his business acumen and ethical standards.

Media Regulation and Family Legacy

Lachlan's role in media regulation and his family's legacy are noteworthy.

36. Media Regulation: As the head of Fox Corporation, Lachlan has faced criticism over the network's handling of sensitive topics like election fraud and conspiracy theories. This has led to calls for greater media regulation to prevent the spread of misinformation.

37. Family Legacy: Lachlan is part of a media dynasty that has shaped global news and entertainment. His family's legacy extends back to his grandfather, Sir Keith Murdoch, who inherited a small Australian newspaper upon his death.

Media Conglomerate and Personal Image

Lachlan's media conglomerate and personal image reflect his influence.

38. Media Conglomerate: News Corp., under Lachlan's leadership, owns a diverse portfolio of media assets including newspapers, television networks, and book publishers. This conglomerate has significant influence over global media landscapes.

39. Personal Image: Lachlan is often described as having an adventurous spirit and boyish good-looks. He has been known to attend high-profile parties and events, reflecting his social status and influence within the media industry.

40. Biographical Insights: The first biography of Lachlan Murdoch, titled The Successor: The High-Stakes Life of Lachlan Murdoch, provides insights into his personal and professional life. However, it also raises important questions about his role in shaping media narratives and the ethical implications of his business decisions.

Lachlan Murdoch's Impact on Media

Lachlan Murdoch's journey in the media world is nothing short of fascinating. From his early days in Australia to leading Fox Corporation, he's played a pivotal role in shaping global media. His academic background in philosophy adds an intriguing layer to his business decisions, blending ethics with corporate strategy. Despite facing setbacks like the One.Tel investment and controversies surrounding Fox News, Lachlan has shown resilience and adaptability. His influence extends beyond media, touching sports and luxury lifestyles. As the eldest son of Rupert Murdoch, Lachlan carries the weight of a powerful legacy while carving out his own path. His story is a blend of ambition, controversy, and undeniable impact on the media landscape. Whether admired or criticized, Lachlan Murdoch remains a significant figure in modern media, continually shaping the narratives we consume.