NEW YORK - The founder of the global News Corp. media empire, Rupert Murdoch, issued an apology Thursday after he faced social media backlash following his suggestion that President Obama isn't a "real black President."

Murdoch was praising Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson and his wife on Twitter on Wednesday when he wrote: "Ben and Candy Carson terrific. What about a real black President who can properly address the racial divide?"

He also recommended a New York magazine article suggesting Mr. Obama has been a "disappointment" to the black community.

Murdoch, who founded Fox News Channel, apologized Thursday and tweeted that he "personally find(s) both men charming."

The 84-year-old Murdoch has praised Carson on Twitter before, calling him "irreproachable on background, achievements, character, vision."