News Corp's Tech Pivot: Julian Delany's CTO Appointment Signals a New Era for Media Giants

The media landscape is undergoing a seismic shift, with traditional publishers racing to integrate advanced technologies to compete with digital-native giants like Meta and TikTok. News Corp's appointment of Julian Delany as its new Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) on June 25, 2025, marks a bold step in this transformation. Delany's rise to the global CTO role signals a strategic realignment of the company's priorities toward leveraging technology to drive growth and solidify its position as a modern media conglomerate.

A Proven Track Record in Digital Evolution
Delany's 13-year tenure at News Corp Australia has been marked by innovation. As General Manager of news.com.au, he pioneered digital-first newsroom operations and data-driven strategies. By 2020, he became CTO of News Corp Australia, where he spearheaded the rollout of generative AI tools like NewsGPT and consolidated technical systems across brands to create a “network effect.” This focus on efficiency and scalability positions him to tackle News Corp's global challenges head-on.

Delany's appointment follows the departure of outgoing CTO David Kline, underscoring the urgency of modernizing infrastructure. CEO Robert Thomson emphasized Delany's blend of technical expertise and “curiosity-driven creativity,” critical as News Corp aims to capitalize on exponential digital growth.

The Strategic Imperative: Tech as a Growth Engine
The stakes are high. Digital revenue already accounts for a majority of News Corp's income, and Delany's mandate is to accelerate this trend. Key initiatives include:
1. AI Integration: Expanding NewsGPT's capabilities to enhance content creation, personalization, and monetization.
2. Global Synergy: Unifying technical systems across 30+ countries to streamline operations, from The Wall Street Journal to Realtor.com.
3. Data-Driven Monetization: Optimizing subscriptions (e.g., Dow Jones) and AI-powered platforms like Realtor.com to boost recurring revenue.

Financial Catalysts and Valuation
News Corp's stock trades at $33.72, with a market cap of $19.06 billion—a valuation some analysts argue is undervalued relative to its growth potential. The sale of Foxtel in 2023 has bolstered the company's balance sheet, enabling aggressive tech investments without financial strain.

Analysts project that AI-driven efficiencies could reduce costs by 15–20% while boosting digital revenue by double-digit percentages. Realtor.com, already a $1 billion business, could see further upside through AI-powered lead generation. Meanwhile, The Wall Street Journal's subscription base—now over 3 million—could expand as personalized content enhances retention.

Risks and Challenges
Delany's vision faces hurdles. Regulatory scrutiny of data practices, particularly in Europe and the U.S., could complicate AI initiatives. Maintaining editorial quality amid algorithmic content curation is another concern. Additionally, execution risks exist in harmonizing systems across News Corp's diverse global brands.

Investment Thesis: A Buy with Eyes on Execution
News Corp's pivot toward tech-driven growth is both necessary and strategically sound. With a strong balance sheet and undervalued stock, the company is poised to capitalize on AI and digital trends. However, investors must monitor execution metrics: watch for signs of cost reduction, subscription growth, and Realtor.com's AI adoption.

Final Take
Delany's appointment is more than a leadership change—it's a declaration of intent. News Corp's future hinges on his ability to build a “malleable technological backbone” that fuels innovation without sacrificing quality. For investors, the stock offers a compelling entry point to bet on a media giant's reinvention. The risks are real, but the upside—driven by AI, global scale, and a disciplined balance sheet—could make this a winning bet for the long term.

Investment recommendation: Consider accumulating News Corp stock on dips, with a 12-month price target of $40–$45, reflecting execution of its tech strategy.