Murdochs reach deal in succession battle over media empire

September 9, 2025

After years of family dispute, Rupert Murdoch's media empire succession has been resolved, with his son Lachlan set to control Fox News, The Wall Street Journal, and other conservative outlets following 94-year-old Rupert's death. Under the new agreement, Lachlan will control a trust containing the family's media holdings, while siblings Prudence MacLeod, Elisabeth Murdoch, and James Murdoch will receive approximately $1. 1 billion each but surrender their beneficiary status in trusts with shares in Fox or News Corp.

Who is affected

Rupert Murdoch and his six children, particularly Lachlan, Prudence, Elisabeth, and James
The shareholders and employees of Fox Corporation and News Corp
Consumers of Murdoch media outlets including Fox News, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Post, and The Times
Younger Murdoch children Chloe and Grace, who remain beneficiaries in the new family trust

What action is being taken

Lachlan Murdoch is being established as the sole controller of a new trust that will hold the family's media interests
Three siblings (Prudence, Elisabeth, and James) are selling their holdings in Fox and News Corp
The three siblings are receiving approximately $1.1 billion each from the sale of about 14.2 million News Corp shares and 16.9 million Fox Corp shares
News Corp is maintaining Lachlan Murdoch's leadership as company chair

Why it matters

The deal ensures the continuation of the conservative editorial direction of influential media outlets like Fox News after Rupert Murdoch's death
It resolves a years-long succession battle that has divided the Murdoch family and inspired the television drama "Succession"
The agreement prevents James, Elisabeth, and Prudence from influencing the political orientation of the family's media conglomerate despite their more moderate political views
The resolution represents a significant restructuring of one of the world's most powerful media empires, affecting news coverage consumed by millions

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC