Lachlan Murdoch Wins Control of Murdoch Media Empire

Rupert Murdoch's family has resolved a long-standing succession dispute, granting his eldest son, Lachlan Murdoch, full control over the family's media empire, including Fox News, The Wall Street Journal, and The Times. The settlement involves Lachlan and his two younger sisters, Grace and Chloe, forming a new family trust that will hold a controlling stake in News Corp and Fox Corporation, while the three older siblings—James Murdoch, Elisabeth Murdoch, and Prudence MacLeod—will exit the business entirely. Each of the departing siblings will receive approximately $1.1 billion for their shares, totaling around $3.3 billion, and will be subject to a long-term agreement preventing them from reacquiring shares or influencing the companies. This outcome ensures the continuation of the conservative editorial stance espoused by Rupert and Lachlan, countering the more progressive views of the departed siblings, particularly James. Lachlan, who has been chairman of News Corp and CEO of Fox since Rupert stepped back from daily operations, now holds sole voting rights in the trust, securing his position as Rupert’s designated successor. The settlement brings an end to years of legal battles and family conflict that have drawn comparisons to the drama series "Succession."