* Spotlight on News Corp.

Headed by Chief Executive Rupert Murdoch, the Australia-based company posted a 57.4% increase in profit for fiscal 1993, compared to the previous year. Says analyst Gery M. Sampere at Moody’s Investors Service: “The Fox TV network had flat ratings compared to last year, and there may be more investments in news and sports at Fox. This is because their growth period is ending, and they’re now competing on the basis of programming like other networks have done for years.”

Major Properties * Broadcasting: Eight Fox TV stations, 139 Fox TV network affiliates in the U.S. * International Publishing: TV Guide and Mirabella magazines, 123 newspaper titles, three book publishing firms * Filmed Entertainment: “Mrs. Doubtfire,” “Rising Sun”

Financial Data * Market capitalization: $11.8 billion * Assets: $18.3 billion * Total debt: $6.8 billion * 1993 revenue: $7.5 billion * 1993 profit: $605.2 million * Earnings per ADR: $2.80