Quote from Alex bobby on September 10, 2025, 7:24 AM

Rupert Murdoch’s Family Reaches Deal on Who Will Control Media Empire

After years of speculation, courtroom battles, and behind-the-scenes manoeuvring, the Murdoch family has finally settled one of the most consequential inheritance disputes in modern media history. The agreement secures Lachlan Murdoch’s control over Rupert Murdoch’s sprawling media empire once the 94-year-old patriarch passes away — a move that cements the conservative identity of Fox News and its sister outlets for decades to come.

A Succession Battle Straight Out of Hollywood

For years, Rupert Murdoch’s empire — which includes Fox News, Fox Corp., and News Corp. — has been dogged by comparisons to the HBO hit drama Succession, itself loosely based on the family’s power struggles. The Murdoch saga has featured many of the same elements: competing heirs, billion-dollar stakes, ideological clashes, and court fights with far-reaching consequences.

At the centre of the battle were Rupert’s children. Lachlan Murdoch, the eldest son from Rupert’s second marriage, has long been considered the mogul’s chosen heir. He has served as CEO of Fox Corp. and overseen Fox News, strengthening its dominance as the go-to media outlet for conservative America and former President Donald Trump. But Lachlan’s three older siblings — Prudence MacLeod, Elisabeth Murdoch, and James Murdoch — each had equal say under an earlier trust arrangement, raising the possibility that they could dilute or even block Lachlan’s control after Rupert’s death.

The ideological divide made the stakes even higher. While Lachlan is seen as loyal to his father’s vision, his siblings are far less conservative. James Murdoch, in particular, has been critical of Fox’s direction and accused the network of spreading disinformation. If the original trust had remained intact, the siblings could have worked together to reshape Fox — or even push Lachlan out.

The Terms of the Deal

According to The New York Times, which first reported the settlement, Rupert Murdoch’s children have agreed to a sweeping deal that consolidates Lachlan’s control. Here are the key points:

• Control for Lachlan: Lachlan Murdoch will control the Fox Corp. trust after Rupert’s death, giving him decisive power over the empire’s future.
• Payout for Siblings: Prudence, Elisabeth, and James Murdoch will receive stock worth an estimated $3.3 billion (€2.8 billion) in exchange for relinquishing their claims to control.
• Long-Term Restrictions: The siblings have six months to sell their remaining Fox holdings and face a long-term ban on acquiring Fox or News Corp. shares, or taking actions involving the companies.
• Trust Duration: The new trust structure will remain in place until 2050, locking in Lachlan’s authority for the foreseeable future.

The settlement formally ends years of litigation. At one point, the Nevada probate commissioner, Edmund J. Gordon Jr., described Lachlan’s bid for control as a “carefully crafted charade” and ruled against the Murdochs’ attempt to change the trust. But with appeals dragging on and the risk of further family and financial strain, both sides opted for compromise.

“Project Family Harmony”

In court documents unsealed by the Times, Rupert Murdoch’s camp referred to the push to consolidate Lachlan’s power as “Project Family Harmony.” The phrase belied the bitter disputes playing out behind the scenes. James Murdoch was reportedly labeled “the troublesome beneficiary,” underscoring how his outspoken criticism of Fox News had fueled intra-family tensions.

The legal battle drew in high-profile attorneys, including former U.S. Attorney General William Barr, highlighting the enormous stakes at play. With Fox News wielding unparalleled influence over U.S. politics, the question of who controls it is not merely a family issue — it’s a matter of national and even global consequence.

Protecting Fox’s Conservative Identity

Fox News remains the dominant force in American cable news, often outperforming traditional broadcast networks during peak news cycles. It has long served as the primary megaphone for conservative voices, with Donald Trump using it as a key platform throughout his presidency and during his ongoing political campaigns.

The Murdoch family settlement ensures that this conservative editorial line will remain intact. Lachlan has shown little interest in steering Fox away from its father’s vision, instead doubling down on the formula that has made it a ratings powerhouse.

Had Prudence, Elisabeth, and James been able to assert equal control, Fox could have faced a potential identity shift. Some analysts speculated that James, in particular, might have sought to moderate Fox’s editorial stance or even consider divestitures. By giving up their claims, however, the siblings have effectively ensured continuity rather than change.

A Political and Financial Victory

For Rupert Murdoch, the deal represents the culmination of a decades-long effort to protect his legacy. By securing Lachlan’s succession, he has guaranteed that his empire will continue to reflect his worldview even after his passing.

For Lachlan, it is both a personal and political victory. He not only inherits control of one of the most profitable media groups in the world but also cements his role as the guardian of its ideological direction.

The siblings, meanwhile, walk away with a financial windfall but no influence over Fox’s future. Their decision to accept the payout underscores the difficulty — and perhaps futility — of challenging Rupert’s vision while the patriarch remains alive and engaged.

Looking Forward

With the Murdoch family feud finally resolved, the media world will now turn its attention to how Lachlan Murdoch steers the empire in the years ahead. While continuity at Fox News appears assured, questions remain about how the company will adapt to a rapidly shifting media landscape — from the rise of streaming to mounting scrutiny over disinformation and political polarisation.

Investors and political observers alike will be watching closely to see if Lachlan simply preserves his father’s model or introduces new strategies to sustain Fox’s dominance in an era of fractured audiences and digital disruption. What is certain, however, is that Rupert Murdoch’s influence will echo long after his passing, with his son now firmly in control of one of the most powerful media machines in the world.

Conclusion

The Murdoch settlement brings an end to one of the most closely watched family power struggles in modern media. Beyond the billions of dollars and courtroom drama, the outcome has profound implications for American politics. By guaranteeing Lachlan Murdoch’s succession, the deal ensures that Fox News will continue to be the dominant conservative voice in the U.S. for years to come.

For critics of Fox, it is a sobering reminder of Rupert Murdoch’s enduring influence. For supporters, it is reassurance that the empire he built will not change course. Either way, the Murdoch family’s decision has locked in the legacy of one of the most powerful media dynasties in history.

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Rupert Murdoch’s family has reached a settlement securing Lachlan Murdoch’s control of Fox News and Fox Corp. after the patriarch’s death. The deal ends years of legal battles and ensures Fox’s conservative direction for decades to come.