Rupert Murdoch loses bid to alter family trust in media empire power struggle
Lachlan Murdoch, left, Rupert Murdoch and James Murdoch arrive at St. Bride’s Church for the celebration ceremony of the 2016 wedding of Rupert Murdoch and Jerry Hall in London. PHOTO: REUTERS
Rupert Murdoch’s attempt to amend the family trust governing his media empire was rejected by a Nevada court commissioner, marking a pivotal moment in the battle for control over News Corp and Fox News. The 93-year-old billionaire sought to modify the trust to grant his eldest son, Lachlan Murdoch, exclusive control, bypassing the input of his other children—Prudence, Elisabeth, and James.
The commissioner ruled that Rupert and Lachlan acted in “bad faith,” calling the effort a “carefully crafted charade,” according to the New York Times. The Murdoch Family Trust, established in 1999, assigns eight votes for decision-making over the family’s media assets. Rupert Murdoch currently holds four votes, while each of his four eldest children controls one. Upon his death, the trust stipulates that his votes will be evenly divided among them, ensuring shared control.
This division of authority has long fueled tensions within the family, particularly as Lachlan is seen as more conservative and aligned with maintaining the legacy of the media empire. These dynamics came to a head with Murdoch’s effort to secure Lachlan’s dominance, leading to the current legal dispute. In response to the ruling, representatives for Prudence, Elisabeth, and James welcomed the decision, emphasizing the importance of rebuilding familial relationships. Murdoch’s legal team, however, has signaled plans to appeal the decision.
The case has drawn comparisons to HBO’s Succession, where fictional power struggles among heirs closely mirror the real-life dynamics within the Murdoch family. Conducted under Nevada’s confidential legal system, the ruling highlights not financial stakes but a battle over power and influence.
This decision not only shapes the future of Rupert Murdoch’s media empire but also underscores the complexities of succession planning in family-run businesses. A final ruling from the district judge, expected in the coming months, will remain sealed under Nevada law.