The money and the buzz on each of L.A.’s wealthiest.
THE MONEY: Grandchildren of legendary publishing tycoon William Randolph Hearst benefited from post-recession uptick in advertising. Share in family trusts, most notably controlling stake in privately held media conglomerate Hearst Corp.
BUZZ: George presided over busy Hearst Corp. board, which took advantage of struggling broadcast industry to buy up shares of Hearst-Argyle Television Inc. (owner of 26 stations) that it didn’t already have. Company also joined with Walt Disney and NBC Universal to acquire Lifetime Entertainment Services. George, chairman since 1996, spends much of his time at Paso Robles ranch near grandfather’s famed Sam Simeon estate. David leads a lower-profile life as private real estate investor and president of small charitable trust that bears his name. Both contributed to Republicans in last election. Hearst family foundations, one of which George heads, continue to aid L.A.-area institutions, with Saban Free Clinic and Aquarium of the Pacific among recent recipients.
George Randolph Hearst Jr.
• NET WORTH: $1.49 billion +10%
• LAST YEAR: $1.35 billion
• AGE: 83
• RESIDENCE: Los Angeles, Paso Robles
• SOURCE OF WEALTH: Print, broadcast media
David Whitmire Hearst Jr.
• NET WORTH: $1.49 billion +10%
• LAST YEAR: $1.35 billion
• AGE: 65
• RESIDENCE: Beverly Hills
• SOURCE OF WEALTH: Print, broadcast media
