Succession Wars: Inside Murdoch family’s fight for power and control of Fox News

With great power comes great responsibility, but what lurks behind it is the battle to possess power and control. It’s a tale as old as time, played out in everything from Shakespeare’s ‘King Lear’ to the HBO series ‘Succession.’
In the glittering world of the ultrarich, family feuds aren’t just about who gets grandma’s china or dad’s vintage car collection. They’re high-stakes battles for control of vast empires, played out in boardrooms and courtrooms. But while we binge-watch fictional families tearing themselves apart over empires and egos, a real-life drama is unfolding.
The Murdoch family, one of the most powerful media dynasties in the world, is currently engaged in a bitter battle for control of their media empire. This fight isn’t just about money; it’s about the future of Fox News and the direction of the family’s legacy.
Let’s look at how it all began and where the family stands now regarding its succession plans.
Keith Rupert Murdoch’s story reads like a classic rags-to-riches tale, the kind that would make a great Netflix series. Born in Australia, he inherited a small Adelaide newspaper at 22.
With a mix of sharp business acumen and a nose for what sells, Murdoch, now 93, turned that single paper into a global media powerhouse. News Corp, Fox News, The Wall Street Journal are just a few jewels in the Murdoch crown.
But as he ages, the question of who will control this empire after him has become a source of tension and division within the family.
At the centre of the Murdoch family feud is a trust set up in 1999, which was supposed to divide voting power equally among Rupert’s four eldest children: Lachlan, James, Elisabeth, and Prudence.
This arrangement was intended to ensure that each child had an equal say in the future of the family business. However, things took a sharp turn in 2023 when Rupert Murdoch announced his desire to change the trust, aiming to give Lachlan more control.
Lachlan, the golden boy, has been groomed for leadership since his teens. He’s cut from the same cloth as his father – conservative, business-savvy, and all for keeping Fox News on its current path.
James, on the other hand, is the family rebel. He’s more liberal-leaning and has been vocal about his disagreements with Fox News’ editorial stance. In 2020, he didn’t just leave the family business – he slammed the door on his way out, criticising Fox’s climate change coverage and political bias.
Elisabeth, often overlooked in the media frenzy, is a successful businesswoman in her own right. She’s carved out a niche in the entertainment industry and tends to stay out of the political fray.
And then there’s Prudence, the eldest and often the quietest. She’s less involved in the day-to-day operations but still has a stake in the outcome.
The Murdoch family feud revolves around disagreements on political ideology, business strategy, and their legacy.
Rupert and Lachlan lean strongly to the right, particularly regarding Fox News’ role in conservative politics, while James, Elisabeth, and Prudence are more centrist, possibly aiming to steer the company in a moderate direction.
Climate change has been a key point of contention, with James openly criticizing Fox News’ coverage, which he sees as irresponsible, while Rupert remains skeptical of the crisis.
The rise of digital media and streaming services adds another layer of complexity—Lachlan favors maintaining Fox News’ current path, while his siblings may advocate for diversification or a shift in tone to adapt to the changing media landscape.
Fox News, founded by Rupert Murdoch in 1996, has grown into a cornerstone of conservative media in the United States. It has played a key role in shaping political discourse, especially during the presidency of Donald Trump.
However, the network has faced its share of controversies, including a recent $787 million settlement with Dominion Voting Systems over false election claims, as per various media reports.
Documents from the lawsuit revealed that both Rupert and Lachlan were aware of the falsehoods being promoted on Fox News but did little to stop them, as per media reports.
Instead, they doubled down on content that would appeal to their conservative audience. This has only intensified the debate over the future direction of Fox News, with Lachlan aiming to continue its current trajectory, while his siblings may prefer a more balanced approach.
As of September 2024, the Murdoch family is locked in a court battle in Reno, Nevada. Rupert Murdoch is seeking to amend the 1999 trust to give Lachlan more control, arguing that this would prevent prolonged family infighting and ensure the stability of the business.
His other children, however, see this as unfair and detrimental to the company’s future.
The case is being overseen by probate commissioner Edmund Gorman, and the decision will have far-reaching consequences for both the Murdoch family and the media empire they control.
The trust was originally designed to be “irrevocable,” meaning any changes would need to be proven to benefit all heirs involved. If Rupert succeeds, Lachlan would have a much greater say in the future of Fox News and News Corp, potentially ensuring a conservative direction for years to come.
The outcome of this family feud could reshape the future of the political media. If Lachlan wins, Fox News may lean even further to the right, solidifying its influence over conservative politics in the US.
If the other siblings manage to gain more control, Fox News could take a more moderate stance, possibly altering its role in the media landscape.