NEW YORK, USA — Rupert Murdoch’s attempt to consolidate control of his media empire under his eldest son, Lachlan Murdoch, has failed.
A sealed court decision filed on Saturday, December 7, 2024, ensures that voting power within the family trust, which holds substantial stakes in News Corp and Fox Corporation, will remain equally shared among Murdoch’s three adult children—James, Elisabeth, and Prudence.
Murdoch’s campaign to strip his other children of their voting rights and give Lachlan sole control of the trust was waged largely in secret.
The New York Times reported on the decision, which follows months of closed-door legal proceedings.
The courtroom drama has remained outside public view, despite efforts by media outlets to gain access.
Murdoch’s Bid to Reshape the Empire
The media mogul’s bid stemmed from his desire to solidify Lachlan’s role as the sole steward of the Murdoch media empire.
Lachlan, currently co-chair of News Corp and executive chairman and CEO of Fox Corporation, is seen as the child most aligned with his father’s conservative vision and the editorial direction of Fox News.
In his legal filing, Rupert Murdoch sought to revoke the voting powers of James, Elisabeth, and Prudence, arguing that a unified leadership under Lachlan was necessary to ensure the companies’ stability and continuity.
However, the court upheld the original terms of the family trust, established in 1999 following Murdoch’s divorce from Anna Murdoch Mann.
The trust guarantees equal voting rights for the four Murdoch siblings over critical decisions affecting the future of News Corp and Fox Corporation.
A High-Stakes Succession Battle
Murdoch’s attempt to reshape the trust is the latest twist in a long-running family saga involving ambition, rivalry, and competing visions for the media empire.
Lachlan’s siblings, particularly James, have frequently clashed with their father over Fox News’s editorial stance and its handling of issues like climate change and misinformation.
James Murdoch, who resigned from News Corp’s board in 2020 citing “disagreements over certain editorial content,” has taken a more progressive stance compared to Lachlan’s commitment to the company’s conservative roots.
Elisabeth Murdoch, a successful television producer, has also been vocal about her concerns over Fox News’s influence.
Prudence Murdoch, the eldest child from Rupert Murdoch’s first marriage, has maintained a lower profile but holds equal voting power within the trust.
Implications for the Future
The court’s decision ensures that no single Murdoch sibling will wield unchecked authority, preserving a balance of power that could lead to shifts in the companies’ strategic direction.
Analysts suggest the ruling may foster internal disputes, given the differing ideologies and ambitions of the siblings.
“The Murdoch family trust is designed to prevent any one individual from monopolising power, but it also opens the door to potential conflicts that could affect the stability of these media entities,” said Claire Endicott, a media analyst at Columbia University.
Rupert Murdoch’s Legacy in Question
Rupert Murdoch, 93, stepped down as chairman of News Corp and Fox Corporation earlier this year, passing the reins to Lachlan while maintaining the role of chairman emeritus.
His effort to secure Lachlan’s dominance within the trust was widely viewed as a last bid to shape his legacy and ensure the empire he built remains aligned with his vision.
“The court’s decision represents a significant blow to Murdoch’s influence over his companies’ future,” said Endicott.
“This could be a turning point for News Corp and Fox Corporation as the next generation takes centre stage.”
A Dynasty in Transition
The ruling underscores the complexities of succession within one of the world’s most powerful media dynasties.
As the Murdoch children prepare to share control, questions remain about the empire’s editorial direction and its ability to navigate an increasingly fragmented media landscape.
While Rupert Murdoch’s campaign to secure Lachlan’s dominance has failed, his influence over the empire he created remains undeniable.
Yet, as power transitions to the next generation, the future of the Murdoch dynasty is anything but certain.
