Imagine sitting down for a family dinner where the main course is a multi-billion-dollar media empire, and the side dishes are decades of grudges, whispered alliances, and enough drama to fuel a hit TV show. That’s the Murdoch clan for you. I’ve always been fascinated by family businesses—my own grandfather ran a small printing shop back in the day, and even that sparked some sibling squabbles over who got the old linotype machine. But the Murdochs? They’re on another level, turning inheritance into a spectator sport. As we step into 2026, the dust from their latest showdown is settling, revealing a new pecking order that’s as intriguing as it is contentious.
The Spark That Ignited the Feud
It all kicked off in the late 1990s when Rupert Murdoch, the Aussie-born tycoon who built an empire from scratch, set up an irrevocable family trust. This wasn’t just any will—it controlled voting shares in juggernauts like Fox Corp and News Corp, worth billions. The trust aimed for equality among his four eldest kids, but as Rupert aged into his 90s, he worried his more liberal offspring might dilute the conservative edge that made his outlets thrive. Picture a patriarch fretting over his legacy like a chef guarding a secret recipe; that’s Rupert, convinced only his son Lachlan could keep the flavor intact.
Rupert’s Vision for Continuity
Rupert’s push to amend the trust in 2023 stemmed from a deep-seated fear: his kids Prudence, Elisabeth, and James might team up against Lachlan, steering the empire leftward. Court documents later revealed heated emails and accusations of betrayal, painting a picture of a family where boardroom battles spilled into personal lives. It was like watching a chess game where the pieces had feelings—and grudges.
The Siblings’ Diverging Paths
Each child carved their own niche, reflecting Rupert’s influence yet rebelling in subtle ways. Lachlan, the heir apparent, mirrored his dad’s ruthlessness in business deals, while James broke ranks by criticizing Fox News’ direction after the 2020 election fallout. Elisabeth dipped in and out of the family biz, focusing on her own ventures, and Prudence stayed more private but vocal in family disputes.
The Courtroom Drama Unfolds
By late 2024, the feud hit Nevada’s courts, a sealed spectacle that leaked like a sieve anyway. Rupert and Lachlan argued the amendment was for the “good faith” benefit of all heirs, protecting the empire’s value. But a commissioner ruled against them in December 2024, calling their efforts manipulative. It felt like a plot twist in a novel— the old lion denied his final roar, forcing the family back to the negotiating table amid mounting legal bills and public scrutiny.
The Nevada Showdown
The case played out in Reno, chosen for its privacy laws, but details emerged via media leaks, showing Rupert’s frustration with his kids’ political leanings. Witnesses described tense family meetings where old wounds reopened, reminiscent of holiday arguments but with stakes in the billions. The ruling stung, but it paved the way for compromise.
Media’s Role in Amplifying Rumours
Outlets not owned by Murdoch had a field day, drawing parallels to HBO’s Succession, which was loosely inspired by the family. Rumours swirled about secret alliances and backroom deals, fueling tabloid frenzy. It was ironic— the king of sensational news became the story himself.
I knew there were parallels but didn’t realize until watching the …
The $3.3 Billion Settlement: A Bitter Peace
Fast-forward to September 2025: the family announced a deal where Lachlan secures control, and his siblings cash out with about $1 billion each. It ended the legal wrangling but left lingering tensions. Lachlan called it “good news for investors,” highlighting stability, while insiders whispered about fractured relationships. Think of it as a divorce settlement where everyone walks away richer but resentful— no group hugs here.
What the Deal Means for the Empire
Under the agreement, the trust’s shares in Fox (36%) and News Corp (33%) stay with Lachlan, ensuring conservative continuity at Fox News, the cash cow. The siblings exit with hefty payouts, freeing them from boardroom battles. It’s a win for empire preservation, but at what cost to family bonds?
Financial Implications
The payout, valued at $3.3 billion, reflects soaring stock values post-settlement. Fox’s expansion into streaming like Tubi under Lachlan has boosted revenues, making the deal pricier than anticipated. It’s a testament to how business success can ironically inflate family feuds.
Key Players in the Murdoch Saga
To understand the new order, let’s meet the cast. Rupert, now 94, steps back as chairman emeritus, his influence waning but legacy enduring. Lachlan, 54, is the undisputed boss, steering the ship with a focus on digital growth. Then there are the “departing members”— Prudence, Elisabeth, and James— who traded power for peace and a fortune.
- Rupert Murdoch: The founder, whose 70-year career shaped global media.
- Lachlan Murdoch: The conservative successor, CEO of Fox since 2019.
- James Murdoch: The liberal outlier, who resigned from News Corp in 2020 over editorial differences.
- Elisabeth Murdoch: The independent producer, often the family mediator.
- Prudence MacLeod: The eldest, more private but key in trust votes.
Meet the Murdochs | Rupert Murdoch | The Guardian
Comparing the Siblings’ Visions
The rivalry boiled down to ideology. Lachlan aligns with Rupert’s right-leaning ethos, prioritizing Fox News’ ratings dominance. James pushed for moderation, investing in progressive causes post-resignation. Elisabeth balanced creativity with caution, while Prudence advocated for unity but sided against Lachlan’s sole control.
| Sibling | Political Lean | Role in Empire | Post-Settlement Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lachlan | Conservative | CEO/Chairman | Full control |
| James | Liberal | Former exec | Cashed out, independent ventures |
| Elisabeth | Moderate | Producer | Payout, focus on own companies |
| Prudence | Private | Board influence | Settlement beneficiary |
This table highlights how their differences fueled the fire, with Lachlan emerging as the guardian of the original vision.
Pros and Cons of the New Order
Every family resolution has upsides and pitfalls. On the pro side, the settlement provides clarity, boosting investor confidence and stock prices. Lachlan’s leadership has driven innovations like Tubi, potentially future-proofing the empire against streaming giants.
Pros of Lachlan’s Leadership
Stability ensures Fox News remains a powerhouse, with record ad revenues in 2025. Digital expansions reduce reliance on traditional cable, appealing to younger audiences. Family distractions end, allowing focus on growth.
Cons of the Settlement
The hefty payout strains resources, and sibling estrangement could lead to future leaks or public spats. Critics argue it entrenches conservative bias, limiting diverse viewpoints in media.
- Pro: Investor certainty – Shares rose post-announcement.
- Con: Family fractures – Rumours of no-contact persist.
- Pro: Strategic focus – More acquisitions possible.
- Con: Ideological lock-in – Less room for evolution.
How Succession Mirrors Reality
If this sounds familiar, it’s because HBO’s Succession drew heavy inspiration from the Murdochs. Creator Jesse Armstrong originally penned a script about Rupert but fictionalized it to avoid lawsuits. Episodes echo real events, like family cruises and boardroom betrayals, adding a layer of meta-drama. I remember binge-watching it during lockdown, chuckling at how art imitated life— or was it the other way around?
I knew there were parallels but didn’t realize until watching the …
Parallels Between Roys and Murdochs
Logan Roy’s death sparked chaos much like Rupert’s retirement in 2023. Kendall’s ambition mirrors James’ past bids for power, while Shiv’s independence echoes Elisabeth. It’s eerie how the show predicted the trust battle, almost like a cautionary tale the family ignored.
The Empire’s Future Under Lachlan
With Lachlan at the helm, expect more bets on digital and sports. Fox’s 2025 quarterly results showed prime-time dominance, thanks to strategic pivots. But challenges loom: cord-cutting, regulatory scrutiny, and competition from tech moguls like Elon Musk. Lachlan’s quoted optimism—”clarity about our strategy”—signals expansion, perhaps into AI-driven news or global markets.
Expansion Strategies
Tubi’s growth to 80 million users highlights ad-supported streaming’s potential. Investments in betting and podcasts diversify revenue, cushioning against TV declines. It’s a smart play, blending old-school grit with new-tech savvy.
Potential Risks
Rumours of internal dissent persist, with some execs wary of Lachlan’s style. External pressures, like antitrust probes, could disrupt plans. Yet, the empire thrives, proving feuds don’t always derail fortunes.
People Also Ask (PAA)
Drawing from common Google queries on the Murdoch dynasty, here are some top questions and concise answers:
- What happened to the Murdoch family trust? The 1999 irrevocable trust was amended via a 2025 settlement, giving Lachlan control while siblings received payouts.
- Is Succession based on the Murdoch family? Yes, loosely—the show’s creator drew from their dynamics, though it’s fictionalized for drama.
- Who controls Fox News now? Lachlan Murdoch, as CEO and chairman of Fox Corp.
- Why did James Murdoch leave News Corp? He resigned in 2020 over disagreements with editorial decisions, particularly at Fox News.
- What is Rupert Murdoch’s net worth? Around $20 billion as of 2026, tied to his media holdings.
Navigating Family Business Succession
If you’re pondering your own family handoff—maybe a corner store or tech startup— the Murdochs offer lessons. Start with clear trusts to avoid court; my grandpa’s vague will caused months of arguments over that linotype. Resources abound: books like Family Business Succession by Aronoff, or consultants from firms like Deloitte.
Where to Get Succession Planning Help
Head to sites like Family Business Magazine for articles, or hire advisors via PwC’s family business services. For legal templates, check LegalZoom.
Best Tools for Family Succession
- Trust Software: Rocket Lawyer for affordable docs.
- Mediation Apps: Use JAMS for dispute resolution.
- Books: The Family Business by Ernesto Poza—practical and insightful.
- Consultants: BDO offers tailored plans for smooth transitions.
These tools can prevent Murdoch-level drama, keeping things amicable.
FAQ
What triggered the recent Murdoch family rivalry?
The feud escalated when Rupert tried to change the trust in 2023 to favor Lachlan, fearing his other kids’ liberal views might alter the empire’s direction.
How has Lachlan Murdoch changed the company?
He’s pushed digital growth, like expanding Tubi, and maintained Fox News’ conservative stance, leading to record revenues in 2025.
Is the Murdoch empire still profitable amid the feuds?
Absolutely— despite family turmoil, businesses flourished, with Fox reporting historic ad highs.
What role did politics play in the disputes?
Siblings’ differing views— Lachlan’s conservatism vs. James’ progressivism— amplified tensions, especially around Fox News’ coverage.
Could there be more rivalries ahead?
Possible, as younger kids Grace and Chloe lack voting rights but might challenge later; rumours suggest ongoing estrangement.
Wrapping Up the Dynasty’s Next Chapter
The Murdoch saga reminds us that even titans stumble on family ties. From courtroom clashes to billion-dollar buyouts, it’s a tale of ambition, betrayal, and reluctant resolution. As Lachlan charts the course, the empire adapts, proving resilience amid rumours. If my grandpa’s shop taught me anything, it’s that legacies endure through adaptation—not perfection. For more on media dynasties, explore The New York Times’ in-depth piece. Or dive into BBC’s analysis. Who knows what rumours will surface next?