The Murdoch family’s secret trial over succession plans has shed light on deep divisions within the influential media empire. The battle, which involved Rupert Murdoch and his three oldest children – Lachlan, Elisabeth, and James – centered on who would control the companies after Rupert’s death.
Key takeaways from the trial include:
1. Rupert Murdoch prioritized his ideological legacy over profit in his twilight years.
2. The family’s fight over succession has deepened old fault lines, with siblings accusing each other of plotting to overthrow one another.
3. Lachlan’s desire for full control of the companies is being contested by his siblings, who are seeking buyouts and potentially billions of dollars in return.
4. The Murdoch family trust, created in 2006, expires in 2030, which could lead to the loss of control over the businesses if the beneficiaries do not agree on a plan for succession.
5. Rupert Murdoch’s mental acuity and sharpness have been called into question, but he testified with “appropriate recall” and “sharp wit” during the trial.
6. The family’s experience has drawn parallels with the HBO series “Succession,” which was inspired by their story.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/13/magazine/murdoch-family-trust-dispute-takeaways.html