Rupert Murdoch transfers control of his media empire to his eldest son in a significant leadership change.
Rupert Murdoch’s family has successfully negotiated a settlement to resolve an extensive succession dispute concerning the media mogul’s vast empire. The agreement, disclosed by News Corp on September 8, 2025, positions Lachlan Murdoch, Rupert’s eldest son, to assume control of a prominent portfolio encompassing Fox News, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Post, and The Times.
This strategic resolution reinforces the conservative ethos of Murdoch’s media properties, ensuring continuity in leadership and vision long after the 94-year-old patriarch’s passing. Under the terms of the settlement, Lachlan, a figure whose political views are closely aligned with his father’s, along with his sisters Grace and Chloe, will now benefit from a newly established family trust. This trust holds a significant stake in both Fox Corporation and News Corp, a structure that is affirmed to remain in effect until 2050.
Control of voting rights will be exclusively vested in Lachlan, 54, who has been instrumental in guiding both News Corp and Fox since his father transitioned from daily operational responsibilities in 2023. Conversely, Lachlan’s elder siblings—James, Elizabeth, and Prudence—will surrender their stakes in the prior family trust, sharing an estimated payout of around .3 billion.
The agreement imposes a “long-term standstill agreement” on these three siblings, effectively limiting their capacity to acquire shares in News Corp and Fox Corporation or engage in specific actions concerning those companies. News Corp’s board expressed its confidence in Lachlan’s capability to continue steering the company towards success and maintaining its strategic direction.
The culmination of this legal saga has captivated both political and media analysts, drawing parallels with the popular HBO drama “Succession.” Experts suggest that the transition of power to Lachlan Murdoch will sustain a sense of stability within the media conglomerate. As stated by Lynne Vincent, an associate professor of management, the alignment of Lachlan’s values with those of his father paves the way for a seamless continuation of existing policies and practices at the outlets under their purview.
Initially, the dispute arose in 2023 when Rupert Murdoch sought to alter the structure of the family trust to consolidate control over his media holdings with Lachlan. The legal proceedings intensified when James, Elizabeth, and Prudence challenged this move in court, reflecting the dynamics of familial alliances in high-stakes corporate environments.
As the Murdoch family embarks on this new chapter, industry observers anticipate the influence of Lachlan Murdoch and his vision on the future trajectory of one of the world’s most influential media empires.
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