Lupa Systems, the media and technology holding company founded by James Murdoch, announced it has agreed to acquire three major divisions of Vox Media, including New York Magazine, Vox, and the Vox Media Podcast Network. The acquired businesses will operate as a subsidiary of Lupa Systems under the Vox Media name. The transaction does not include Eater, Popsugar, SB Nation, The Dodo, or The Verge.
The deal significantly expands Lupa Systems’ reach across digital publishing, podcasting, video, and print media. The acquisition adds New York Magazine’s portfolio of influential editorial brands, including The Cut, Vulture, Intelligencer, The Strategist, Curbed, and Grub Street. It also gives Lupa control of Vox and the Vox Media Podcast Network, which includes well-known podcasts such as Pivot, Criminal, Where Should We Begin? with Esther Perel, and Today, Explained.
Lupa Systems said the acquisition strengthens its growing global media portfolio, which already includes holdings such as Art Basel, Tribeca Enterprises, and a material stake in India’s streaming and sports platform JioStar through Bodhi Tree Systems.
Jim Bankoff, co-founder and longtime leader of Vox Media, will become CEO of the newly formed Vox Media entity following the closing of the transaction.
Lupa Systems noted that the Vox Media Podcast Network has become one of the fastest-growing divisions within Vox Media and now reaches tens of millions of listeners across audio, video, and social channels. The company highlighted Edison Research data showing podcasts now reach 58% of Americans monthly.
The acquisition also further expands Lupa Systems’ presence in journalism, entertainment, and cultural media. James Murdoch previously served as CEO of 21st Century Fox, BSkyB, Sky plc, and Star TV before launching Lupa Systems in 2019.
Vox Media has expanded over the years through both organic growth and acquisitions. The company launched Vox in 2014 and acquired New York Magazine in 2019. Under Vox Media ownership, New York Magazine expanded its subscription business and continued producing award-winning journalism, including earning the 2026 National Magazine Award for general excellence.
LionTree served as financial advisor to Vox Media on the transaction.
KEY QUOTES:
“This acquisition aligns well with our existing holdings and investments and reflects both our interest in the forward edge of culture and our deep commitment to ambitious journalism and agenda-setting conversations. It will allow us to apply new tools across the businesses we are building, adding substantial production, distribution, and editorial capability to our group.”
James Murdoch, Founder, Lupa Systems
“I couldn’t be more thrilled to partner with James and Lupa Systems. Each one of these Vox Media divisions is marked by its strong relevance with audiences, its commitment to quality, and its enormous growth potential. We are incredibly proud to have built and scaled several of the leading media properties of this generation. Together under Lupa’s stewardship we are primed to be the best home for talent and the most dynamic media company of this new era.”
Jim Bankoff, CEO, New Vox Media
