Court Battle Over Rupert Murdoch's Media Empire Begins

A closed-door court battle over Rupert Murdoch's media empire is set to begin on September 16, 2023, with significant implications for Fox News and the Wall Street Journal. At 93, Murdoch aims to amend his family's irrevocable trust to ensure his eldest son, Lachlan, retains control over their media assets, a move contested by his other children, Prudence, Elisabeth, and James. The conflict highlights tensions within the family regarding the future direction of their conservative media outlets, with Lachlan fearing his more liberal siblings may alter their editorial stance. Critics point to Lachlan's leadership as underwhelming, as Fox shares have lagged behind the market despite some gains. This legal dispute is compounded by external pressures, including challenges from activist investors and ongoing efforts to sell Foxtel. As the Murdoch family grapples with its internal power dynamics, the outcome could reshape the landscape of media ownership in the U.S.