Murdoch Becomes U.S. Citizen, Can Buy TV Network

NEW YORK —  Rupert Murdoch, Australian-born publishing magnate, became a U.S. citizen today, removing an obstacle to his acquisition of a network of independent American television stations.

Murdoch, 54, has been living in the United States since 1973. He was joined in the courtroom ceremony by 185 other aliens.

By becoming an American citizen, Murdoch gave up his Australian citizenship since neither government recognizes dual citizenship.

Murdoch recently purchased 50% of 20th Century Fox Film Corp. and plans to purchase Metromedia, the nation’s largest group of independent television stations, including KTTV in Los Angeles. Under federal regulations an alien may not own more than 20% of a broadcast license.