Yesterday’s surprise announcement that Fox Corp. and News Corp. chairman Rupert Murdoch would exit his role with the companies continues to create shockwaves throughout the industry. The news made Newsmax CEO Chris Ruddy become retrospective on what Murdoch has meant to the media landscape.
“Over many decades no other individual has had such a tremendous impact on the media landscape as Rupert Murdoch. His contributions to the news industry across several continents have been enormous, helping to ensure a balanced and truly free media,” Ruddy said.
“Newsmax has benefited from his contributions and we will continue his efforts to promote a free press, a cornerstone to a free society.”
Ruddy launched Newsmax in 1998, positioning the network as a competitor to Fox News. The network has seen expansive growth in recent months, coinciding with the decision by Fox News to remove popular primetime host Tucker Carlson from its lineup.
While Murdoch announced his departure, he remained adamant that he would stay involved in both companies.
“I can guarantee you that I will be involved every day in the contest of ideas. Our companies are communities, and I will be an active member of our community,” Murdoch wrote in his memo to employees announcing his departure.
