News Corp Market Strategy: Rupert Murdoch's Legal Battle for Succession

Rupert Murdoch , the 93 - year - old media mogul , is currently embroiled in a secret legal battle involving his children over the future of the familys media empire . The battle pits Lachlan Murdoch , his heir apparent , against three of his other children - James , Elisabeth , and Prudence . The dispute revolves around a family trust that would determine the control of the media empire after Murdochs passing .

The trust currently dictates that control of the empire would be shared among the four eldest children . However , Rupert Murdoch is seeking to change the terms of the trust to ensure that Lachlan has sole control over media assets such as Fox News , the Wall Street Journal , the New York Post , and other assets in the UK and Australia . The media tycoon argues that Lachlans conservative political beliefs are crucial in maintaining the value of the right - leaning media company.

The legal battle , which is being led by former US attorney general William Barr , is set to potentially go to court in September . The move to rewrite the trust , dubbed Project Harmony by Murdoch , aims to prevent a power struggle within the family after his death . However , Murdoch 's other children were reportedly caught off guard by the decision.

Lachlan Murdoch , who became chair of News Corporation and Fox Corporation last November , is seen as the chosen successor to his father , despite previous speculation that James Murdoch could take on the role . James Murdoch , who has been critical of Fox 's denial of climate change and the spread of misinformation , has distanced himself from the family business . In April 2023 , Fox settled a lawsuit with Dominion , a voting equipment company , for 87.5 million over false election fraud claims.

The legal battle highlights the complex dynamics within the Murdoch family and the future direction of the media empire . As Rupert Murdoch seeks to secure the conservative editorial stance of his media assets , the outcome of the legal dispute could have significant implications for the future of Fox News and the wider Murdoch media empire.