Fox News boss Rupert Murdoch steps down, picks son as successor

Fox News creator and leader Rupert Murdoch announced his retirement, adding that his 52-year-old son Lachlan will be the heir to Fox’s parent company and his News Corp. media holdings.

Fox News, and other holdings of Murdoch, made him an undeniable force in American politics. He would continue to serve as chairman emeritus of both companies, effective at board meetings in November.

Besides Fox News, Murdoch started the Fox broadcast network, the first to successfully challenge the Big Three of ABC, CBS and NBC, with shows like “The Simpsons.” He is also the owner of The Wall Street Journal and the New York Post.

Fox News Channel has profoundly influenced television and the nation’s politics since its start in 1996, making Murdoch a hero to some and a pariah to others, news agency Associated Press reported.

The 24-hour network converted the power and energy of political talk radio to television. Within six years, it outrated CNN and MSNBC.

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“In my new role, I can guarantee you that I will be involved every day in the contest of ideas, Murdoch wrote. “Our companies are communities, and I will be an active member of our community. I will be watching our broadcasts with a critical eye, reading our newspapers and websites and books with much interest.”

(With AP inputs)