James Murdoch Buys Half Of Vox Media & Multiple Awards Announced

BusinessMediaJames Murdoch Buys Half Of Vox Media & Multiple Awards AnnouncedByFrank Racioppi,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Frank Racioppi is the owner of Ear Worthy, focusing on podcasts.Follow AuthorMay 20, 2026, 11:09am EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.nVox MediaThe podcasting industry is not generally not the focus of media – print, digital, or social. Today, however, podcasting gets its 15 minutes of quasi-fame. Two weeks ago, we reported in Forbes that James Murdoch was interested in buying Vox Media, with its valuable stable of profitable podcasts. Today, that forecast has come true. Forbes and other media outlets have reported that James Murdoch is purchasing roughly half of Vox Media, including its podcast network, eponymous website and New York magazine.The more than $300 million acquisition, according to the New York Times, was made through Mr. Murdoch’s investment company, Lupa Systems. Vox Media CEO Jim Bankoff will remain the portfolio’s leader once the acquisition closes, which the company estimates will take about four to six weeks. “This acquisition aligns well with our existing holdings and investments and reflects both our interest in the forward edge of culture and our deep commitment to ambitious journalism and agenda-setting conversations,” Mr. Murdoch said in a statement to the media. “It will allow us to apply new tools across the businesses we are building, adding substantial production, distribution, and editorial capability to our group."James Murdoch is the son of media tycoon Rupert Murdoch and brother to Fox Corp. James Murdoch was a key figure in a major legal battle regarding his father Rupert Murdoch’s irrevocable family trust, which concluded in a settlement in September 2025. In September 2025, a deal was reached wherein James, Elisabeth, and Prudence agreed to cease being beneficiari...