Hearst family

Hearst family
Current region
California, United States
Place of origin
County Monaghan, Ireland
FounderGeorge Hearst
Current headWilliam Randolph Hearst III
EstatesThe Hacienda, Hearst Castle, Hearst Ranch

The Hearst family is a wealthy American family based in California. After earning a sizable fortune in the mining industry during the late 19th Century, the family applied their wealth towards acquiring ownership over numerous publications throughout the country. This network of news outlets ultimately grew to become one of the largest mass media empires in the 20th century. To this day, the Hearst family continues to be involved in the media industry through their ownership and control of the multinational conglomerate, Hearst Communications (alternatively known as the "Hearst Corporation").

History

The Hearst family's fortune was originally earned in the mining industry during the late 19th century through the entreprenuership of George Hearst. Subsequently, George's son, William Randolph Hearst used his father's wealth to buy numerous news outlets including the New York Evening Journal, Cosmopolitan, Good Housekeeping, Town & Country and Harper's Bazaar. By the 1930s, William Randolph's network of publications had grown to become the largest media empire in the United States.[1]

Today, via their ownership of the Hearst Corporation, the Hearsts' holdings encompass 76 newspapers, 250 magazines, and 35 TV stations.[2][3] As of 2025, the family's combined net worth is set at $22.4 billion.[4]

Members

Network

Associates

The following is a list of figures who have been closely aligned with or subordinate to the Hearst family.

Businesses

The following is a non-exhaustive list of publications and other businesses in which the Hearst family have held a controlling or otherwise significant interest.

References

  1. ↑ "William Randolph Hearst". www.history.com. History Channel. 2009. Retrieved 2024-03-11.
  2. ↑ Hoffower, Hillary; Zinkula, Jacob; Villarroel, Kristine (31 October 2025). "The 35 richest families in America, ranked". Business Insider. Insider Inc. Retrieved 4 May 2026.
  3. ↑ Kennedy, Angela (24 March 2026). "The Hearst family's extraordinary story". lovemoney.com. Love Incorporated. Retrieved 4 May 2026.
  4. ↑ Hoffower, Hillary; Zinkula, Jacob; Villarroel, Kristine (31 October 2025). "The 35 richest families in America, ranked". Business Insider. Insider Inc. Retrieved 4 May 2026.
  5. ↑ Ross, Scott. "Making Peace with Hearst". Christian Broadcasting Network. Retrieved 30 January 2025.