Rupert Murdoch is facing a familial battle royale as three of the 93-year-old media mogul’s four adult children fight his efforts to adjust the family trust in order to leave eldest son Lachlan Murdoch in charge after his death, according to an investigative report published Wednesday by the New York Times.
The Times report is based in part on a 48-page decision by a Nevada probate commissioneer that was filed under seal but obtained by the newspaper. Three of Rupert Murdoch’s four adult children — Prudence, Elisabeth and James — are fighting their father’s efforts to adjust the trust. The battle has so far played out in secret but will now be closely watched as the probate commissioner considers petitions filed by the three younger Murdochs.
According to the Times, Rupert Murdoch is motivated by the desire to ensure that the Fox News, the New York Post, Wall Street Journal and other media assets under the Fox Corp. and News Corp. banners maintain the politically conservative perspectives that they now present to viewers and readers.
The elder Murdoch “is arguing in court that only by empowering Lachlan to run the company without interference from his more politically moderate siblings can he preserve its conservative editorial bent, and thus protect its commercial value for all his heirs,” the Times reported.
The conflict began late last year as Rupert Murdoch sought to gather support from his children for the amendment. The Times reported that the unnamed probate commissioner “found that Mr. Murdoch could amend the trust if he is able to show he is acting in good faith and for the sole benefit of his heirs.”
Representatives for Rupert Murdoch and Fox could not immediately be reached for comment.
More to come