In the realm of global media ownership, names like Rupert Murdoch often stir strong associations with some of the most influential news outlets. As a powerful media mogul, Murdoch is frequently linked to conservative news platforms and large broadcasting empires. This leads many people to wonder: does Rupert Murdoch own CNN? Given Murdoch’s history of high-profile acquisitions and media leadership, the question is understandable. However, ownership of major news organizations involves corporate structures that are not always easy to follow, and public assumptions are often based on reputation rather than fact.
Who Is Rupert Murdoch?
Rupert Murdoch is an Australian-born media tycoon who built a global empire through decades of strategic acquisitions and business ventures. He is the founder of News Corporation, which later split into two companies: 21st Century Fox (which focused on entertainment) and News Corp (which focused on publishing). Murdoch is widely known for owning media entities such as Fox News, The Wall Street Journal, The Times (UK), and the New York Post.
Murdoch’s influence in shaping conservative media, especially in the United States, has made him one of the most controversial and recognized figures in media history. His involvement in shaping political discourse through his news outlets has earned both praise and criticism from around the world.
What Is CNN?
CNN, which stands for Cable News Network, is an American news-based television channel founded in 1980 by Ted Turner. CNN became the first 24-hour news network and revolutionized how breaking news was delivered. Over the years, CNN has been perceived as leaning more toward the center-left in its political coverage, in contrast to other networks like Fox News.
CNN is part of the Warner Bros. Discovery media group, following a series of corporate mergers and restructurings. It is important to understand CNN’s current corporate structure to determine who owns and operates the network.
Does Rupert Murdoch Own CNN?
No, Rupert Murdoch does not own CNN. The network is currently owned by Warner Bros. Discovery, which was formed in 2022 after the merger of WarnerMedia (formerly owned by AT&T) and Discovery Inc. CNN operates as part of Warner Bros. Discovery’s news division, separate from any Murdoch-affiliated properties.
Rupert Murdoch’s media interests are primarily tied to companies like:
- Fox Corporation which owns Fox News, Fox Business, and other television assets
- News Corp which owns newspapers such as The Wall Street Journal, The Sun, and The Times
CNN has never been under Murdoch’s control, and there is no public record or credible report indicating that Murdoch has ever attempted to purchase the network. The confusion may stem from Murdoch’s dominance in the media industry, leading to assumptions that he owns more outlets than he actually does.
Why the Confusion Exists
Similar Industry Involvement
Both Rupert Murdoch and CNN are deeply involved in the U.S. and global media landscapes. Because Murdoch is synonymous with major cable news networks especially Fox News many people confuse or associate his name with other major networks, including CNN. However, the two brands operate under entirely different corporate umbrellas and pursue different editorial strategies.
Political Perception
Fox News, which Murdoch owns through Fox Corporation, is often positioned as a conservative counterweight to CNN. As such, the two networks are seen as competitors with differing viewpoints. Because of their contrasting reputations, it is logical to assume they would not share ownership or management. This makes it even more important to clarify that CNN has no ownership ties to Murdoch or his affiliated companies.
Who Controls CNN Now?
CNN is part of Warner Bros. Discovery, and as of recent reports, the executive leadership is responsible for its direction and editorial choices. Key decisions about programming, staffing, and business development are made within this corporate structure, independent of any influence from Rupert Murdoch or Fox Corporation.
The CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, David Zaslav, oversees the entire company, including CNN. While CNN has undergone leadership changes in recent years, none of these changes involve Rupert Murdoch or his affiliates.
What Media Does Rupert Murdoch Actually Own?
To understand Rupert Murdoch’s influence, it’s helpful to look at the specific media assets he controls. These include:
In the United States:
- Fox News Channel: A major conservative news outlet known for its opinion programming
- Fox Business Network: Focuses on financial and economic news
- The Wall Street Journal: A leading financial newspaper known worldwide
- New York Post: A popular tabloid newspaper with wide circulation
In the United Kingdom and Australia:
- The Times and The Sunday Times (UK)
- The Sun (UK)
- The Australian
- Herald Sun
These outlets contribute to Murdoch’s reputation as one of the most powerful media figures globally. Still, CNN remains outside of his media empire.
What Would Happen If Murdoch Owned CNN?
Hypothetically, if Rupert Murdoch were to acquire CNN, it would likely lead to a significant shift in the network’s editorial direction. Given Murdoch’s history of supporting right-leaning or conservative media platforms, there could be a strategic overhaul of the network’s tone and content to align more closely with his other properties.
However, such a purchase would raise regulatory and competitive concerns, especially considering Murdoch already owns a major competitor Fox News. Any move to buy CNN would be heavily scrutinized by industry watchdogs and likely face legal and business obstacles.
To directly answer the question: no, Rupert Murdoch does not own CNN. The network is owned by Warner Bros. Discovery and operates independently of Murdoch’s media empire. While Murdoch’s presence in the media industry is extensive and influential, his business holdings do not include CNN. The confusion likely arises due to his ownership of Fox News and other high-profile outlets. Understanding the distinctions between these networks is essential for accurate media literacy and awareness of corporate ownership in today’s information landscape.