Murdoch Family Settles Media Asset Dispute
Murdoch Family Settlement Reached in Media Empire Dispute
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Updated September 9, 2025, at 00:53:21
Agreement Resolves Succession Battle
Rupert Murdoch’s children have reached a settlement resolving a legal dispute over control of News Corp and Fox Corp, the companies announced. The agreement ends litigation initiated when some siblings contested Murdoch’s plan to appoint his son, Lachlan murdoch, as his successor.
A Nevada court had previously blocked the 94-year-old Murdoch’s attempt to establish Lachlan as his successor.
New Trust Structure Established
The settlement establishes a new trust structure to replace the existing Murdoch Family Trust. This new structure alters the ownership stakes among the family members.
Prudence MacLeod, Elisabeth Murdoch, and James Murdoch will receive cash payments based on equity sales and will no longer hold shares in either News Corp or Fox Corp. The eldest daughter, Prudence, has maintained limited involvement in the family business, while James and Elisabeth Murdoch are known for their more politically centrist views.
Beneficiaries and Holdings
New trusts will be created for the benefit of Lachlan Murdoch, Grace Murdoch, and Chloe Murdoch, according to a press release. Rupert Murdoch and his two half-sisters will remain beneficiaries of separate trusts.
The departing beneficiaries – Prudence, Elisabeth, and James – will ”cease to be beneficiaries in any trust holding shares in News Corp or Fox Corporation.”
Inspiration for “Succession”
The internal friction over the future of the Murdoch media holdings-which include Fox news, The Wall Street Journal, and various British and Australian media outlets-served as inspiration for the critically acclaimed HBO television series, “Succession.”