Rupert Murdoch’s media empire faces a critical juncture as his family trust becomes the center of a legal battle with far-reaching implications for Fox News and the future of conservative media.
At a Glance
- Rupert Murdoch aims to give full control of his media empire to his eldest son, Lachlan, against the wishes of his other children
- The legal battle in a Nevada probate court will decide the future of Fox News and other major media outlets
- Smartmatic, a voting machine company, is suing Fox News for $2.7 billion over alleged defamation related to 2020 election fraud claims
- Smartmatic’s attorneys seek to question Murdoch about his trust changes, potentially revealing Fox Corp.’s involvement in editorial decisions
- The outcome could significantly impact the direction and editorial stance of Fox News
Murdoch’s Media Empire Hangs in the Balance
The future of Fox News and Rupert Murdoch’s vast media empire is now being decided in a probate court in Reno, Nevada. Murdoch’s attempt to amend his family trust to give full control to his eldest son, Lachlan, has sparked a fierce legal battle within the family. This high-stakes dispute involves the disposition of global media assets, including Fox News, the Wall Street Journal, and the Times of London.
The confidential legal proceedings have kept the identities of the parties involved private, but it’s clear that Murdoch’s decision has met with opposition from his three eldest siblings. This family feud is not just about inheritance; it’s about the future direction of one of the most influential conservative media networks in the world.
Fox News: A Conservative Stronghold at Risk?
Rupert Murdoch’s insistence on maintaining Fox News’ conservative stance is a key point of contention. Industry experts argue that any significant shift in the network’s editorial direction could be detrimental to its identity and revenue. Joe Peyronnin, a former network news executive, offers insight into this delicate balance:
This stance, however, has not been without consequences. Fox Corp. recently settled a defamation suit with Dominion Voting Systems for a staggering $787.5 million over false election fraud claims. The network’s commitment to its editorial approach, despite legal challenges, underscores the high stakes involved in this family dispute.
Smartmatic’s Legal Challenge: A New Threat to Fox News
Adding to the turmoil, Smartmatic, another voting machine company, is now suing Fox News for $2.7 billion. This lawsuit, like the Dominion case, centers on defamation claims related to the 2020 election. Smartmatic’s attorneys are making a bold move by seeking to question Rupert Murdoch about his efforts to change his family trust, suggesting it might reveal Fox Corp.’s involvement in editorial decisions.
Fox News, through its lawyer K. Winn Allen, argues that Murdoch’s trust changes are irrelevant to the case, calling the attempt to question Murdoch “not appropriate.” This legal strategy by Smartmatic encapsulates critical issues at the heart of media influence and the stewardship of family trusts, while highlighting the crucial interplay between legal accountability and media portrayal in high-profile cases.
The Future of Conservative Media at Stake
As Rupert Murdoch steps away from active control of his companies, the battle for succession takes on added significance. Lachlan Murdoch, who currently holds executive positions in Fox Corp. and News Corp., is seen as the heir apparent. However, his siblings, particularly James, have been critical of Fox News’ direction and have supported more liberal causes.
Fox News is being sued in a $1.6 billion defamation lawsuit by Dominion Voting Systems, which alleges the company knowingly spread false claims about their voting machines during the 2020 election.@stephgosk reports on Rupert Murdoch’s deposition, according to court documents. pic.twitter.com/OEnoDkmTn4
— NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt (@NBCNightlyNews) March 1, 2023
The outcome of this legal battle could have far-reaching implications for the landscape of conservative media. If Lachlan takes full control, as his father wishes, it’s likely that Fox News will maintain its current editorial stance. However, if the trust is divided among the siblings, we could see a shift in the network’s direction, potentially altering the voice of conservative media in America.
