In November 2023, Rupert Murdoch declared his resignation from Fox News. Murdoch’s retirement from the 50-year-old firm he built ends an era in American media.
Murdoch’s departure comes as Fox News faces dwindling ratings, litigation, and internal strife. The network has also been attacked for boosting Donald Trump and his 2020 election lies.
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Murdoch stated he felt confidence in Fox News under his son Lachlan in his retirement announcement. Whether the network can sustain its cable-news supremacy without its founder is unknown.
How Trump outwitted Murdoch
President Trump has a complicated relationship with Fox News. Trump used Fox News to promote his candidacy and presidency. Trump, however, repeatedly blasted the network for lack of support.
Trump began criticizing Fox News when it called Arizona for Joe Biden before the 2020 election. Trump called Fox News “unfair” and “biased” and advised his fans to switch networks.
Trump’s Fox News connection worsened after the election. Fox News refuses to air Trump’s electoral lies. Trump called Fox News “fake news” and “the enemy of the people.”
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Trump’s constant assaults on Fox News may have influenced Murdoch’s retirement. As a businessman, Murdoch knows Fox News must keep viewers happy to succeed. Trump’s assaults alienated Fox News viewers, so Murdoch may have stepped away to let his son Lachlan fix it.
What Fox News’ future holds
Fox News’ future without Rupert Murdoch is uncertain. The network faces litigation, dwindling ratings, and internal upheaval.
The network has also been attacked for boosting Donald Trump and his 2020 election lies. Fox News has lost viewers and struggled to recruit new ones.
Fox News must broaden its audience to succeed. The network must also address opponents’ worries about boosting Donald Trump and his 2020 electoral lies.
Whether Lachlan Murdoch can manage Fox News through this tough time is unknown. Rupert Murdoch’s retirement ends an era in American media.