Murdoch Family Feud: Legal Struggle for Media Empire Control

Rupert Murdoch, the 93-year-old media mogul, is embroiled in a secret legal battle with his three eldest children over the future of his vast media empire.

At a Glance

Rupert Murdoch is in a legal battle to secure his son Lachlan’s control of the family media empire
The current trust would give control to Murdoch’s four eldest children upon his death
Murdoch argues that Lachlan should have sole control to preserve the company’s conservative values
The legal battle could go to court in September, just before the US election
The outcome will significantly impact the future of one of the most politically influential media companies in the English-speaking world

The Battle for Control

Rupert Murdoch, the patriarch of one of the world’s most influential media empires, is engaged in a high-stakes legal struggle with three of his children. The dispute centers on Murdoch’s attempt to alter the family trust to ensure his son Lachlan maintains control of the family’s media assets after his death.

The current trust structure would distribute control among Murdoch’s four eldest children upon his passing. However, Murdoch is pushing for Lachlan to have sole control, arguing that this move is necessary to preserve the conservative editorial direction of the company’s media outlets.

Rupert Murdoch in secret legal battle with children over media empire – report https://t.co/0Tz9ZRnqpB

— Guardian news (@guardiannews) July 24, 2024

The Murdoch Dynasty

Lachlan Murdoch, considered the most conservative of Murdoch’s children, became chair of News Corporation and Fox Corporation in November. This move aligns with the right-leaning values of the media company, which includes Fox News and other conservative outlets.

“Rupert Murdoch is locked in a secret legal battle against three of his children over the future of the family’s media empire, as he moves to preserve it as a conservative political force after his death, according to a sealed court document obtained by The New York Times.”

The other children, including James Murdoch, who has been critical of Fox’s stance on climate change and the US media’s role in the January 6 insurrection, were reportedly surprised by their father’s move. They have hired lawyers to oppose the change, setting the stage for a family showdown reminiscent of the popular TV drama “Succession.”

Legal Implications

The legal battle is expected to reach the courts in September, mere weeks before the US presidential election. William Barr, former US attorney general, is leading Murdoch’s effort to rewrite the trust. A Nevada probate commissioner has already ruled that the irrevocable trust could be rewritten if Murdoch proves he is acting in good faith.

“The trust currently hands control of the family business to the four oldest children when Mr. Murdoch dies. But he is arguing in court that only by empowering Lachlan to run the company without interference from his more politically moderate siblings can he preserve its conservative editorial bent, and thus protect its commercial value for all his heirs.”

Murdoch’s move, dubbed “Project Harmony,” aims to prevent a power struggle within the family after his death. However, it has already sparked division among his children, with James, Elisabeth, and Prudence opposing the change.

Impact on the Media Landscape

The outcome of this legal battle will have far-reaching consequences for the media landscape. The Murdoch empire includes Fox News, the Wall Street Journal, and various newspapers and TV stations in Australia and Britain. The resolution of this dispute could significantly influence the editorial direction and strategic initiatives of these influential media outlets.

As the media industry continues to evolve, the stability and direction of the Murdoch empire remain crucial factors in shaping public opinion and political discourse. The coming months will undoubtedly be closely watched by industry insiders and political observers alike, as the future of one of the world’s most powerful media conglomerates hangs in the balance.