News Corp's Julian Delany: A Technological Maestro Steering Media's Digital Future

The appointment of Julian Delany as News Corp's Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) marks a pivotal moment in the company's evolution. With a career spanning nearly two decades at News Corp Australia, Delany has consistently demonstrated the ability to transform digital operations, integrate data-driven strategies, and pioneer cross-platform innovation. His relocation to New York City, where he will unify global tech strategies, positions News Corp to capitalize on the accelerating shift to digital media—a move that could solidify its leadership in an increasingly fragmented industry.

The Strategic Appointment of Julian Delany

Delany's career trajectory—from General Manager of news.com.au in 2012 to overseeing all of News Corp Australia's digital networks—has been defined by operational rigor and a relentless focus on efficiency. As CTO since 2020, he spearheaded a “network effect” initiative that streamlined workflows across News Corp's global brands, enabling scalable content distribution and data integration. This strategy has already delivered measurable results: News Corp's revenue grew by 19.49% since 2020, with digital revenues now constituting the majority of total revenue.

A Track Record of Digital Transformation

Delany's achievements are underpinned by three pillars: data-driven personalization, AI integration, and mobile-first scalability. At news.com.au, he pioneered a digital-first newsroom model that leveraged data analytics to optimize content delivery. By 2025, this approach had evolved into a global strategy, with initiatives like “multi-channel personalized journeys” designed to deepen audience engagement.

Notably, Delany's leadership has driven innovation in AI tools such as NewsGPT, which enables journalists to generate content in specific editorial styles, and Story Cutter, an automated editing tool. While these tools have sparked concerns about job displacement, Delany has emphasized their role in enhancing—not replacing—human creativity. This balanced approach aligns with CEO Robert Thomson's vision of a “malleable technological backbone” that supports both efficiency and editorial integrity.

Leveraging Technology for Scalability and Audience Engagement

Delany's move to New York underscores his mission to globalize News Corp's technological infrastructure. By centralizing tech strategy, he aims to eliminate redundancies and create a unified platform for brands like The Wall Street Journal, The Australian, and Realtor.com. This cohesion is critical as digital subscription growth—Dow Jones now boasts over 6 million subscribers—fuels revenue expansion.

The relocation also signals a focus on mobile-first innovation, where 90% of News Corp's digital traffic originates. Delany's push to optimize mobile experiences through personalized content feeds and AI-driven recommendations is already yielding results: in Q3 2025, Digital Real Estate Services saw a 19% rise in profitability despite a sluggish housing market.

Financial Strengths Underpinning the Strategy

News Corp's financial health provides a robust foundation for Delany's ambitions. With a market cap of $19.06 billion and a stock price at $33.72, the company has strengthened its balance sheet through strategic moves like the $724 million debt-free sale of Foxtel to DAZN. Investment-grade ratings from Moody's and S&P, achieved in late 2024, reflect confidence in its financial resilience.

Mitigating Risks in the Digital Age

The media sector faces existential threats from platforms like Meta and TikTok, which dominate user attention and ad dollars. Delany's appointment directly addresses these challenges by prioritizing audience-centric solutions that enhance News Corp's competitive edge. His focus on first-party data collection and ethical AI frameworks ensures the company avoids reliance on third-party tracking, a growing liability in the post-cookie digital landscape.

Moreover, Delany's emphasis on collaboration between tech, editorial, and commercial teams reduces “tech debt” and fosters agile decision-making—a critical advantage in fast-moving markets.

Investment Implications: A Compelling Case for Long-Term Growth

News Corp's stock currently trades at 14.2x forward earnings, below its five-year average of 16.5x. This valuation gap presents an attractive entry point, particularly given its accelerating digital growth and Delany's proven track record. Key catalysts for upside include:
- Dow Jones monetization: With subscriptions nearing 7 million and enterprise offerings expanding, the division's margins could rise further.
- Real estate tech: Realtor.com's AI-driven tools could capture a larger share of the $1.5 trillion U.S. housing market.
- Global tech integration: A unified platform could unlock synergies across 30+ countries, boosting cross-border content distribution.

Conclusion

Julian Delany's leadership represents more than a managerial shift—it is a strategic pivot toward technological mastery. By unifying News Corp's global tech infrastructure, amplifying AI-driven innovation, and prioritizing audience engagement, Delany is turning the company into a digital-first media powerhouse. For investors seeking exposure to a sector undergoing profound transformation, News Corp's stock offers a rare combination of strong fundamentals, visionary leadership, and scalable growth. In an era where media companies must adapt or perish, Delany's appointment is a clear signal that News Corp is positioned to thrive.

Investment Recommendation: Buy News Corp (NWS/NWSA) for a long-term portfolio, targeting a 12–18 month horizon. Current valuation, coupled with its digital transformation momentum, suggests a 20%+ upside potential.