Rupert Murdoch, the influential media mogul, continues to command attention as he navigates a labyrinth of family disputes and business strategies. His most glamorous recent appearance was a state banquet at Windsor Castle. This incident, as invited guest of former U.S. President Donald Trump, underscores how closely connected his influence extends to key political leaders. Behind the family drama that’s playing out to the American public, a royal family is split down the middle. Accusations of infighting between his children have surfaced just months after they finalized an agreement over the distribution of their family trust.
The intricacies of the Murdoch dynasty could be an entire season, just through the relationships between Rupert Murdoch’s children—Lachlan, James, Elisabeth and Prudence. Elisabeth and two of her siblings have allegedly been forced out of the family operation. This uncertainty is putting pressure on already stretched family relationships. James Murdoch’s relationship with father Rupert and brother Lachlan is said to be. That tension comes to a head when Rupert attempts to amend the trust arrangements, which presently provide for his oldest children to have equal say over the family empire upon his death.
These changes are consistent with Rupert Murdoch’s legacy as an interventionist editor. He has made himself into a potent political kingmaker. His deftness at shaping the thinking of key political leaders has been an enduring feature throughout his 70 year career. Now, as he nears his mid-90s, questions regarding the future leadership of his massive media empire have become impossible to ignore.
Recently, Lachlan Murdoch has stepped into the spotlight. He made some headlines when he recently announced Fox Corporation’s dismal results for the third quarter of this fiscal year. He described the resolution of the family trust dispute as “good news for investors” and indicated that it “gives us clarity about our strategy going forward.” Despite this positive outlook, Lachlan faces significant challenges in establishing his own identity within the shadow of his father’s legacy.
“Actually I’d like none of them to,” said Anna Murdoch, reflecting on her children’s involvement in the family business. She knew of the tremendous burden they carry. “I believe there is going to be a considerable heartbreak and hard times with this succession,” she said.
The road to this point has not come without its challenges. Lachlan and Rupert Murdoch just took a big loss in their legal war. This case could have a substantial effect on their ability to maintain control over the family business. This latest defeat pours more fuel on an already flaming situation within the first family.
Elisabeth Murdoch, for her part, has been pretty frank and public about being “grossed out” by the family’s oligarchic attitudes. She was upset at being shut out from the firm. She continued, “These kids operated the business and they were raised in it… They pretty much told you to don’t let the door hit you on the way out. This expression of disappointment is indicative of a larger feeling of disgruntlement among the brother’s siblings about their role in the family business going forward.
The familial rift appears to be permanent. As Claire Atkinson pointed out, this break is indeed quite permanent. She does not believe that James and Rupert ever get back together. The cultural and economic ramifications of this estrangement go well beyond family dynamics and cruelty, and into the business models of their media businesses.
Lachlan’s approach has prioritised digital and streaming expansion, breaking from old media tenets. In one of his last announcements, recently, he said, “And I’m pleased to announce Tubi became profitable last quarter. This accomplishment is a testament to a change in prioritization that recognizes new media consumption trends.
Experts suggest that Lachlan’s decisions may not be entirely free from his father’s influence. “The difficulty that Lachlan has is that he’s been in charge for years, but everybody is always going to project that every decision is Rupert’s,” explained Claire Atkinson. This dynamic complicates Lachlan’s efforts to establish an independent identity in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
Paddy Manning pointed out that Lachlan’s investments are primarily aimed at profitability rather than bolstering political clout. “If you look at the signature deals that Lachlan has made over his career, they have not been designed to increase his political influence.” This view reflects a broader, tactical shift from long-held political constituencies to more commercially rewarding, entrepreneurial pursuits.
As the media landscape changes, so will the tactics used by Rupert Murdoch’s heirs. Rodney Benson noted that Lachlan’s unique approach may not fully emerge until he has established further autonomy within the company: “What’s really unique about Lachlan’s approach… won’t fully emerge.”
The war between the two branches of the Murdoch family makes for a rich story. It features a boldly imperfect family going through groundbreaking personal and career hardships. Rupert Murdoch’s exit only begins to reshape the world’s media influence. At the same time, his offspring have to compete with each other and figure out how to survive in the relentless and merciless market of creative disruption.