Internal disputes and legal battles threaten the future of the Murdoch family empire

In a dramatic turn of events, Rupert Murdoch, after turning 90, sought to restructure the family trust to ensure that his son Lachlan would inherit the majority control of the empire, bypassing his other children—James, Liz, and Prue. This move, dubbed "Project Family Harmony," was viewed as a shocking attempt to consolidate power and was met with fierce resistance from his three older children. They initiated a lawsuit against Rupert and Lachlan, claiming they were being unfairly cut out of the inheritance. In December 2024, a Nevada court ruled in favor of the three children, accusing Rupert and Lachlan of acting in bad faith. While Rupert and Lachlan have appealed the decision, experts believe that the ruling is unlikely to be overturned, leading to further legal challenges and potential restructuring of the Murdoch family empire.

Recent exposés in the New York Times and Atlantic Magazine have painted a grim picture of the dysfunction, paranoia, and mutual resentment within the Murdoch family. According to James Murdoch, the once-close family has now fractured into hostile camps, with Rupert’s decisions increasingly alienating his children. James, who publicly labeled his father a "misogynist," has been particularly vocal in criticizing Rupert’s handling of the family business and his political stance. This public airing of grievances has added fuel to the fire, with the Murdoch children’s personal and professional relationships now being scrutinized in the media. The fallout from these revelations has shaken both the Murdoch family and the broader media industry, highlighting the deep divisions within a family that has long been the pillar of global media influence.

The consequences of these family feuds extend far beyond the personal realm. The Murdoch media empire, which includes Fox News, HarperCollins, and major news outlets like The Times and The Sun, is now facing uncertainty as Rupert’s heirs battle for control. The ongoing litigation over the family trust has raised concerns about the long-term viability of the empire, and analysts believe the family’s infighting could lead to the dissolution or sale of key assets. With the family’s ownership stake now in question, the media giant could be forced to part ways with parts of its business. Fox News, which remains the most profitable segment of the empire, could be the first to be sold, though such a sale could significantly alter the media landscape and diminish the Murdochs’ political influence.

Despite the Murdoch family’s media empire enjoying a resurgence in political and legal influence, the financial struggles of some of their UK assets are raising questions about the empire’s stability. The Sun newspaper, plagued by ongoing legal costs, including a settlement with Prince Harry over the phone-hacking scandal, has struggled with declining circulation and revenue losses. In contrast, titles like The Times and Sunday Times are faring better but still face challenges in adapting to the digital age. Analysts have suggested that these financial issues, combined with political pressures in both the UK and the US, may force the family to consider selling off parts of the business. However, the sale of these assets, particularly in the UK, could be complicated by regulatory hurdles and the growing influence of foreign ownership rules. Despite the challenges, Rupert’s empire still wields significant political clout, and it remains to be seen whether the family will be able to resolve its differences or if the empire will fracture irreparably.