News Corp mastheads in Australia have topped the half-million subscriptions milestone anticipated by group chief executive Robert Thomson when he announced earnings on May 5.

In a message to employees yesterday, News Corp Australasia executive chairman Michael Miller announced the milestone had been passed. "This is an important achievement for us all to celebrate as it shows more and more people are willing to pay more for our trusted, quality journalism," he said.

Describing the milestone as a "world-class achievement", he paid tribute to the many teams, whether crafting stories or supporting our online presence in marketing, digital and product or editorial direction.

"Not only is 500,000 a significant number, it is also serves to reinforce that growing our digital audience is how we will continue to grow our business.

"We are a company with a rich, proud history in compelling storytelling and today, we continue to tell the stories which inform, entertain and educate Australia in the most trusted and innovative ways. This is the premium content that resonates with our expanding audiences and is what will drive our long-term success."

Miller says he now looks forward to reaching one million digital subscriptions.