It’s the end of an era: Rupert Murdoch, one of the most influential and feared media executives of our time, is resigning. On Thursday morning, Fox Corp. and News Corp. announced that Murdoch, 92, was retiring as chairman of both boards and would become chairman emeritus of both companies. Lachlan MurdochHis eldest son will become the sole president of the two companies.

Starting in the 1950s with a single Australian newspaper, Murdoch built a global empire that included major newspapers in the United Kingdom and the United States, television networks and a book publishing arm. He is perhaps best known for co-founding Fox News, a cable news giant and a powerful force in Republican politics.

On Fox News, The American Newsroom co-host Bill Hemmer He announced the news, with warm words for the boss. “Rupert Murdoch created all this and more in the United States and around the world. “His life’s work left an indelible mark on the global media landscape,” Hemmer said. “His contributions are countless and extraordinary, and we thank him for allowing us to be a part of all of this. »

“Our businesses are healthy, and so am I. Our opportunities far outweigh our business challenges. We have every reason to be optimistic about the years ahead; I certainly am and I intend to be here to participate in them. But the battle for freedom of speech, and ultimately freedom of thought, has never been more intense,” Rupert Murdoch wrote in a memo to staff. He then ridiculed the “elites” with “open contempt for those who are not members of their rarefied classes”, stating: “Most of the media is in cahoots with these elites, peddling political narratives rather than seeking the truth.” In his note, Murdoch emphasized that he was not going anywhere. “In my new role, I can guarantee that I will participate in the ideas contest every day,” he wrote. “When I visit your countries and companies, you can expect to see me in the office on Friday afternoons.” (“That he is healthy and robust in his ideas, we can attest to that.” The American Newsroom co-host Dana Perino he said into the air.)

“On behalf of the FOX and News Corp boards of directors, the management teams and all shareholders who have benefited from his hard work, I congratulate my father on his remarkable 70-year career,” Lachlan said in a statement. “We thank him for his vision, his pioneering spirit, his unwavering determination and the lasting legacy he leaves in the companies he founded and the countless people he influenced. We are grateful to have him serve as Chairman Emeritus and know that he will continue to provide valuable guidance to both companies.

This is breaking news.