News Corp's Tech Overhaul: How Julian Delany is Building a Media Powerhouse for the Digital Age

As traditional media companies grapple with the challenges of a fragmented digital landscape, News Corp has positioned itself as a leader in leveraging technology to amplify its global reach and profitability. The appointment of Julian Delany as Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer on July 1, 2025, signals a pivotal shift toward unifying its technological backbone and unlocking cross-platform synergies. Delany's vision—rooted in data-driven innovation, AI integration, and audience-centric strategies—could propel News Corp to new heights in an era dominated by tech giants.

The Unification of a Global Tech Ecosystem

Delany's most ambitious initiative is the unification of News Corp's global technological infrastructure. By consolidating workflows and creating a centralized platform for brands like The Wall Street Journal, The Australian, and Realtor.com, the company aims to eliminate redundancies and improve scalability. This "malleable technological backbone," as Delany describes it, aligns with CEO Robert Thomson's vision to balance efficiency with editorial integrity.

The payoff is already evident: the Dow Jones division has seen a 6% revenue increase and 12% rise in profitability since 2020, with subscriptions surpassing 6 million. Meanwhile, Realtor.com—a key growth engine—achieved a 19% jump in profitability in Q3 2025, driven by AI-powered tools and mobile-first optimization.

Digital Transformation and the Rise of Data-Driven Innovation

Under Delany's leadership, News Corp has shifted from a print-centric model to a digital-first strategy. The company's digital revenue now accounts for the majority of its total revenue, up 19.49% since 2020. Central to this transformation is the "network effect" strategy, which integrates data and workflows across platforms to enhance operational efficiency.

Key innovations include:
- AI Integration: Tools like NewsGPT (which generates content in specific editorial styles) and Story Cutter (an automated editing tool) are designed to augment—not replace—human creativity.
- Personalization: Delany's data-driven approach has evolved into "multi-channel personalized journeys," improving audience engagement. At news.com.au, this model boosted mobile traffic by 30% within two years.
- Mobile-First Priorities: With 90% of digital traffic coming from mobile devices, News Corp is refining personalized content feeds and AI recommendations. Realtor.com's success in a sluggish housing market underscores the power of this strategy.

Financial Strength and Growth Catalysts

News Corp's financial health is robust, with a market cap of $19.06 billion and an investment-grade rating from Moody's and S&P. The company's strategic moves—such as the $724 million sale of Foxtel to DAZN—have bolstered its balance sheet. Looking ahead, three catalysts stand out:
1. Dow Jones Monetization: A target of 7 million+ subscriptions could unlock further revenue.
2. Realtor.com Expansion: The housing market's $1.5 trillion size presents opportunities for AI-driven services.
3. Global Tech Synergies: Streamlining infrastructure could reduce costs and enhance cross-brand collaboration.

Risks and Mitigation Strategies

Despite its progress, News Corp faces challenges. Tech giants like Meta and TikTok threaten its ad revenue and audience attention. Delany's focus on first-party data collection and ethical AI frameworks reduces reliance on third-party tracking—a critical edge as cookies phase out. Additionally, his emphasis on collaboration between tech, editorial, and commercial teams minimizes "tech debt," ensuring agility in fast-moving markets.

Investment Thesis: A Stock Poised for Growth

At a stock price of $33.72, News Corp trades at just 14.2x forward earnings—well below its five-year average of 16.5x. Analysts argue this undervaluation presents an attractive entry point, with potential for a 20%+ upside over 12–18 months. The company's strong cash flow, diversified revenue streams, and leadership under Delany position it as a rare media stock capable of thriving in the digital age.

Investors should watch for milestones like Realtor.com's market penetration and Dow Jones subscription growth, as well as progress on its global tech integration. For those betting on media companies that marry legacy credibility with cutting-edge innovation, News Corp's shift under Delany is a story worth following closely.

In an era where tech and content are inseparable, News Corp's strategic bets—bolstered by Delany's vision—could cement its status as a media titan for decades to come.