James Murdoch Reportedly In Talks To Acquire New York Magazine, Vox Podcasts
James Murdoch is reportedly in discussions to acquire New York magazine and Vox Media’s podcast network in a deal estimated to be worth more than $300 million.
According to reports, Murdoch’s investment firm, Lupa Systems, is currently negotiating the potential acquisition as Vox Media explores options to sell parts of its business amid growing challenges facing digital media companies.
Sources familiar with the discussions revealed that the talks are ongoing, although it remains unclear whether other interested buyers are still in the race.
If completed, the acquisition would significantly expand Murdoch’s media investments, which already include interests in the Tribeca Film Festival and a major entertainment production company in India.
New York magazine’s media portfolio includes its flagship publication alongside popular digital platforms such as The Cut, Vulture and Intelligencer.
The Vox podcast division also hosts several high-profile shows, including “Pivot” by Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway, as well as the daily news podcast “Today, Explained.”
Industry observers believe the deal could give James Murdoch a stronger foothold in the American media landscape.
Murdoch, 53, is the youngest son of media mogul Rupert Murdoch, whose global media empire includes Fox News and the New York Post. Interestingly, Rupert Murdoch previously owned New York magazine between 1976 and 1991.
James Murdoch formerly served as CEO of 21st Century Fox before stepping away from the family’s media business in 2020 following reported disagreements over the editorial direction of some of its outlets.
Unlike his father, James Murdoch is widely regarded as politically moderate and has publicly supported Democratic causes in recent years.
The reported negotiations were first disclosed by The Wall Street Journal.
