Rupert Murdoch didn’t just build a media empire, he engineered it. Love him or hate him, you can’t ignore the man who turned news into a billion-dollar business. While most people were consuming media, Murdoch was controlling it.
So, what’s his secret sauce? How did he take over newspapers, television networks, and digital media like a real-life Monopoly champion? Buckle up, because we’re about to break down six powerful media tactics he used, and how you can use them to dominate your own space.
1. Own the Narrative (Because Perception is Reality)
Murdoch understood something most people don’t: news isn’t just information, it’s influence. He bought The Sun, The Times, Fox News, and The Wall Street Journal to control how stories were told. Whether you’re in media, marketing, or just building a personal brand, controlling the narrative is your ultimate power move.
How You Can Use This:
- If you run a business, tell your own story first before someone else does.
- If you’re building a personal brand, make sure your social media presence is strong and consistent.
- Start a blog, a YouTube channel, or a podcast to be the voice of authority in your industry.
Pro Tip: If you want to dominate storytelling like Murdoch, get yourself a good content creation setup. The “Ultimate Vlogging Kit” on Amazon is a must-have for turning your ideas into high-quality content. Check it out here.
2. Turn Controversy Into Currency
Let’s be real, Fox News didn’t become a media powerhouse by playing it safe. Murdoch knew that nothing sells like outrage. If you get people talking (or arguing), they’ll come back for more.
How You Can Use This:
- Don’t be afraid to have a strong opinion on social media.
- Use a bit of controversy (without being toxic) to spark engagement.
- Create content that challenges the norm, people respect boldness.
Remember: Playing it safe is boring. If Murdoch played it safe, he’d be another forgotten newspaper editor instead of a media mogul.
3. Buy the Competition (or Outmaneuver Them)
Murdoch didn’t just compete, he acquired. When a rival media outlet threatened his dominance, he simply bought them out or outperformed them with better content and aggressive tactics.
How You Can Use This:
- If you’re a business owner, collaborate with (or acquire) smaller competitors before they grow too big.
- If you’re a creator, study your competition and find gaps they aren’t filling.
- Always be one step ahead, Murdoch never waited for permission.
4. Master the Art of Sensationalism
From tabloid headlines to viral TV segments, Murdoch made everything feel urgent and dramatic. He knew that people don’t just want news, they want a story.
How You Can Use This:
- Write headlines that make people stop scrolling.
- Use storytelling in everything, whether it’s an Instagram post or a business pitch.
- Make your content emotional and dramatic (without being clickbait-y).
If you struggle with writing compelling headlines, grab a copy of “Copywriting Secrets” on Amazon. It’s the ultimate guide to writing headlines that get clicks, shares, and sales. Check it out here.
5. Monetize Everything (Yes, Everything)
Murdoch turned news into a money-printing machine. Paywalls, subscriptions, ads, if it could make money, he found a way to monetize it.
How You Can Use This:
- If you’re a content creator, don’t rely on just one revenue stream.
- Monetize your blog, YouTube, or Instagram with affiliate links, courses, or merch.
- Offer exclusive content (like Patreon or paid newsletters) for die-hard fans.
Pro Tip: If you want to start monetizing today, get “The YouTube Formula” on Amazon. It’s a game-changer for building an online empire. Check it out here.
6. Adapt or Die: Stay Ahead of Trends
The media landscape changed, and Murdoch always adapted. From print to TV to digital, he evolved with the times instead of fighting change.
How You Can Use This:
- Stay on top of industry trends, whether it’s AI, crypto, or the next big social media platform.
- Be early to new platforms (Murdoch invested in MySpace before Facebook blew up).
- Don’t get stuck in outdated strategies, pivot when necessary.
Want to stay ahead of digital trends? Grab “The Future is Faster Than You Think” on Amazon. It’ll help you see what’s coming next in business and tech. Check it out here.
The Final Takeaway: Power is in the Hands of the Bold
Rupert Murdoch didn’t become a billionaire by waiting for permission. He took risks, controlled narratives, and built an empire by playing the game better than everyone else.
The good news? You don’t need to own a media conglomerate to apply these principles. Whether you’re a business owner, content creator, or aspiring entrepreneur, these tactics can help you dominate your industry.
Which tactic do you think is the most powerful? Drop your thoughts in the comments! And if you’re ready to level up, check out the recommended books and tools, they might just be the game-changer you need.