Rupert Murdoch to Leave Helm of Empire After Seven Decades (2)

Rupert Murdoch, one of the most influential and controversial figures in the media world, is stepping down as chairman of his Fox Corp. and News Corp. empire following a seven-decade career.

Murdoch, 92, served as an unabashedly conservative voice with ownership of newspapers in the US, UK and his native Australia. He created a television conglomerate that includes US cable news juggernaut Fox News. His reach made him a kingmaker in conservative politics and reshaped the media and entertainment landscape worldwide.

“He’s one of a kind,” said Bank of America analyst Jessica Reif Ehrlich. “He thought globally but ...