Statements made by Rupert Murdoch in lectures to US audiences over a number of years have made clear the attraction of the United States to him both as an individual and as a site for extensive investment by News Corporation. Murdoch's perception of the United States as a ‘land of opportunity’ for businesses such as News Corporation with financial capital to invest, combined with the position of the country at die forefront of technological innovation, with a labour market not constrained (from the perspective of die company) by excessive union and worker intervention, all come together to make die US a very attractive proposition (Murdoch 1986b, 1989a). True to Murdoch's perceptions of the United States, die company has become heavily involved there, with extensive investments in all areas of die media, and on a more personal note, with Murdoch becoming a US citizen.

In die 1980s, die News America Publishing Inc. (News America) subsidiary of News Corporadon Limited became increasingly visible and influential in the US media industry. According to one prestigious media publication, in die 1980s and 1990s ‘Rupert Murdoch was die most conspicuous of die high rollers in the media acquisition business’ (Emery, Emery with Roberts 1996:594). The company bought die 20di Century Fox studios for US$575 million, seven major television stations for US$1.55 billion, Harper and Row book publishers for US$300 million, and Triangle Publications, including TV Guide, for US$3 billion. In addition, die company became heavily involved in cable television and US sport.