Murdoch isn't the richest American media baron

You'd be pardoned for assuming that Rupert Murdoch, News Corp's feisty leader and owner of prestigious titles including Wall Street Journal, would be the richest media owner in America. He isn't.

That title is reserved for media heiress Anne Cox Chambers, daughter of Cox Enterprises founder James M. Cox. Cox Enterprises includes Cox Communications cable company, Cox Media Group (newspapers, TV and radio stations), Manheim (car auction) and AutoTrader.com.

Her net worth, as reported in The Forbes 400, which ranks the richest Americans, is $12.5b, more than double the $6.2b that Murdoch can brag about. Chambers is No. 19 on the Forbes 400 list, and Murdoch is No. 38.

Topping the list of richest Americans for 17th straight year, however, is Microsoft founder and chairman Bill Gates, with his wealth estimated at $54b despite the fact that he has given away $28b - and counting - to charity.

Gates is being tailgated by the Oracle of Omaha, Warren Buffett, with wealth totalling $45b. The 79-year-old Buffett plans to give away 99 per cent of his wealth to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Buffett's children on the condition that it all has to be spent within ten years after he's gone.

Rounding up the Top 3 is technology firm Oracle's Larry Ellison, whose net wealth has stagnated at $27b since 2008.

Interestingly, the Top 10 feature four of Walmart's Waltons - Christy at No. 4 with wealth estimated at $24b; Jim at No. 7 ($20.1b), Alice at No. 8 ($20b) and S. Robson at No. 9 ($19.7b). Together, the four are worth a little under $84b.

The Forbes 400 has 16 new entrants this year, with the 'poorest' among the coveted rich list worth $1b.
 

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