Rivalries and Rumours: The New Order of the Murdoch Dynasty
15 hours ago
Katie Razzall, Culture and Media Editor
Christmas is traditionally a time for family gatherings, and until recently, the Murdoch dynasty was no exception. However, full family reunions have become increasingly rare, especially with members scattered across the globe. Notably, in 2008, they celebrated the festive season together on a flotilla of private yachts, as biographer Michael Wolff recounts. In recent years, Rupert Murdoch, the long-reigning media titan, has often shared time with his daughter Elisabeth. This year, however, the dynamic has shifted dramatically, especially after a highly publicized court battle in Nevada that concluded with Elisabeth and two of her siblings being permanently sidelined from the family business.
– Elisabeth Murdoch, co-founder and executive chair of the production company Sister—behind hits like Black Doves and The Split—was left with her two siblings James and Prudence cut off from the family firm.
– The fallout from their father’s decisions has turned what could be joyous family gatherings into strained interactions.
Despite being nearly a billion dollars richer due to recent financial settlements, the Murdoch siblings face emotional turmoil as their father, in his mid-90s, has chosen to fracture the family for the sake of business interests. This evolved situation mirrors the power struggles and backstabbing depicted in the acclaimed series Succession, but this time, the rift feels more permanent.
The Fractured Relationships Among the Murdochs
– James Murdoch has voiced irreconcilable differences with both his father and brother Lachlan, publicly calling Rupert a misogynist and referring to his courtroom antics as “twisted.”
– Rupert sought to alter a trust established in 1999 that ensured equal authority among his four oldest children after his passing, apprehensive about the liberal direction they might take.
This contentious atmosphere led to a bitter court dispute where the Murdoch siblings ultimately conceded, selling their shares and agreeing to refrain from future involvement with the family business. Claire Atkinson, author of an upcoming biography on Rupert Murdoch, reflects on the situation, saying the dissolution of ties is extremely permanent. Lachlan, no longer sharing the reins, has been poised to lead the media empire independently.
Amidst internal conflicts, Lachlan’s leadership at Fox Corp has been solid, particularly during his tenure as CEO since 2019, and more recently as chairman. The increasing share price under his watch, aided by the political landscape, compounded the burden of the financial settlements with his siblings.
The Future for the Murdoch Family
So where do the Murdochs go from here?
Elisabeth and Prudence are reportedly focused on moving forward. With Rupert’s clock ticking, there’s a shared understanding of the urgency to mend relationships, although reconciliation may still be distant. Lachlan, hosting elite gatherings in Sydney, appears to embrace a blend of business acumen and Australian lifestyle, even as the legacy of his father’s influence looms large.
Prof. Rodney Benson from New York University notes Lachlan’s unique leadership style is yet to fully emerge, yet there are concerns about relying on “politically sensationalistic” journalism to boost profits post-settlement. Lachlan has been pursuing a strategy focusing on digital expansion, highlighted by the growth of Tubi, which became profitable in the last quarter.
While Rupert remains an integral figure, actively attending high-profile events and maintaining a sharp insight into the operations, his declining health casts a long shadow over the succession narrative that has been brewing. Despite that, his formidable presence ensures he retains significant influence.
A Family Divided Yet Intriguingly Complex
As the fractured Murdoch family navigates these challenges, the ongoing dynamics reflect a deep schism. Paddy Manning, a journalist chronicling this saga, claims the family remains “deeply divided.” Although Lachlan works closely with Rupert, he remains estranged from James, Elisabeth, and Prudence.
Anna Murdoch, their mother, foresaw the potential fallout decades ago in her novel Family Business, highlighting the sibling rivalries and jealousy that can arise in powerful families. Now, as Rupert’s controversial business decisions create a lasting impact, relations among his children seem poised to change forever.
As the Murdoch saga unfolds, the complex interplay of rivalry and rumour appears set to continue shaping not just their family, but also the media landscape forged under their formidable influence.