By Jessica Toonkel

Media investor James Murdoch is in advanced talks to buy Vox Media's New York magazine and podcast division, according to people familiar with the matter.

The deal, which is through Murdoch's Lupa Systems investment company, isn't yet final, and could still fall apart, they said.

The acquisitions would further expand James and his wife Kathryn Murdoch's portfolio of zeitgeisty media properties. Lupa's investments include stakes in Tribeca Enterprises, which runs the Tribeca Film Festival, as well as Art Basel parent MCH Group. Kathryn Murdoch has invested in the Bulwark, a fast-growing digital news startup for people who don't support President Trump.

A decade ago, Vox was among a handful of digital-media companies -- including BuzzFeed and Vice Media -- that were seen as the future of news and entertainment because of their buzzy headlines and edgy content. But a challenging advertising market, changes in search traffic and increased competition have forced these companies to recalibrate.

Murdoch, the younger son of News Corp founder Rupert Murdoch, founded Lupa in 2019 after stepping down as chief executive of 21st Century Fox when substantial parts of the company were sold to Walt Disney Co. The following year, he resigned from the board of News Corp, citing disagreements over editorial content. Rupert Murdoch controls News Corp, which is the parent company of The Wall Street Journal, and Fox.

Vox Chief Executive Jim Bankoff and a spokeswoman for James Murdoch declined to comment.

Vox in recent months has been exploring a sale of New York magazine and Vox Media Podcast Network, some of the people said.

Vox's podcast network is responsible for shows including "Pivot," by tech journalist Kara Swisher and entrepreneur Scott Galloway, as well as "The Curiosity Shop" with Brené Brown and Adam Grant and Maria Sharapova's "Pretty Tough."

Versant Media Group, which was spun off from Comcast earlier this year, had expressed interest in buying Vox's podcast business, according to other sources familiar with the situation.

Vox also owns websites SB Nation, the Verge and Thrillist.

New York magazine, which was launched in 1968, last changed hands in 2019 when it was purchased by Vox in a deal that valued it at $105 million.

New York produces a biweekly print magazine, as well as digital content published under brands such as the Cut, Grub Street and Vulture.

Write to Jessica Toonkel at jessica.toonkel@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

May 05, 2026 10:57 ET (14:57 GMT)

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