The Secret Succession Fight That Will Determine the Future of Fox News
Digest
The episode begins by discussing the power of objects to inspire creativity, using the example of family heirlooms and vintage pieces. It then delves into the ongoing power struggle within the Murdoch family, focusing on the battle for control of Rupert Murdoch's media empire. The episode highlights the conflict between Rupert's favorite son, Lachlan, and his other children, James, Elizabeth, and Prudence. The episode reveals Rupert Murdoch's attempt to secure sole control of his media empire by exploiting a loophole in the family trust. He aims to disenfranchise his three other children, leaving Lachlan as the sole successor. This plan, known as "Project Harmony," is being challenged by James and his sisters, who are fighting to maintain their inheritance and influence over the media empire. The episode concludes with a summary of current events, including the release of three Americans and one American green card holder from Russian imprisonment through a complex prisoner swap involving multiple countries. It also mentions the United States' recognition of the opposition candidate in Venezuela's disputed presidential election.
Outlines
Objects and Creativity
The episode begins by discussing the power of objects to inspire creativity. It mentions how interacting with family heirlooms or vintage pieces can spark creative journeys that last a lifetime.
Murdoch Family Feud: The Battle for Control
The episode delves into the ongoing power struggle within the Murdoch family, focusing on the battle for control of Rupert Murdoch's media empire. It highlights the conflict between Rupert's favorite son, Lachlan, and his other children, James, Elizabeth, and Prudence.
Murdoch's Loophole: Project Harmony
The episode reveals Rupert Murdoch's attempt to secure sole control of his media empire by exploiting a loophole in the family trust. He aims to disenfranchise his three other children, leaving Lachlan as the sole successor.
Current Events: Prisoner Swap and Venezuela Election
The episode concludes with a summary of current events, including the release of three Americans and one American green card holder from Russian imprisonment through a complex prisoner swap involving multiple countries. It also mentions the United States' recognition of the opposition candidate in Venezuela's disputed presidential election.
Keywords
Rupert Murdoch
Rupert Murdoch is an Australian-American media mogul and businessman. He is the founder, chairman, and CEO of News Corporation, a global media and entertainment conglomerate. Murdoch is known for his conservative political views and his influence on media outlets like Fox News.
Lachlan Murdoch
Lachlan Murdoch is the eldest son of Rupert Murdoch and the current CEO of Fox Corporation. He is considered to be his father's favorite son and is seen as the heir apparent to the Murdoch media empire.
James Murdoch
James Murdoch is the younger son of Rupert Murdoch and a former executive at News Corporation. He is known for his more moderate political views and his attempts to steer Fox News away from its more extreme right-wing leanings.
Fox News
Fox News is an American basic cable and satellite television news channel that is part of the Fox News Media division of Fox Corporation. It is known for its conservative political slant and its influence on American politics.
Succession
Succession is a term used to describe the process of transferring power or control from one person or entity to another. In the context of the Murdoch family, it refers to the battle for control of Rupert Murdoch's media empire after his death.
Trust
A trust is a legal arrangement in which a person (the trustee) holds assets for the benefit of another person or group (the beneficiary). In the case of the Murdoch family, the trust holds ownership of their media empire and dictates how control will be distributed after Rupert Murdoch's death.
Project Harmony
Project Harmony is the name given to Rupert Murdoch's plan to secure sole control of his media empire for Lachlan. It involves disenfranchising his other three children and giving Lachlan complete control of the trust.
Probate
Probate is the legal process of administering the estate of a deceased person. In the case of the Murdoch family, the probate court in Nevada will ultimately decide the fate of the family trust and the control of the media empire.
Q&A
What is the main conflict at the heart of the Murdoch family drama?
The main conflict is the battle for control of Rupert Murdoch's media empire after his death. His favorite son, Lachlan, is vying for sole control, while his other three children, James, Elizabeth, and Prudence, are trying to prevent that from happening.
How does Rupert Murdoch attempt to secure Lachlan's control of the empire?
Rupert Murdoch attempts to secure Lachlan's control by exploiting a loophole in the family trust. He aims to disenfranchise his other three children, leaving Lachlan as the sole successor.
What is the potential impact of this family feud on Fox News and the media landscape?
The outcome of this feud could significantly impact Fox News' editorial direction. If Lachlan maintains control, the network is likely to remain firmly conservative. However, if James and his sisters gain control, Fox News could become more moderate and less reliant on conspiracy theories.
What is the significance of the 2020 election in this power struggle?
The 2020 election is significant because it highlights the potential financial risks associated with Fox News' extreme right-wing leanings. The network's coverage of the election led to a loss of viewers and a significant defamation settlement, demonstrating the potential consequences of catering to a narrow, partisan audience.
What is the current status of the legal battle over the Murdoch family trust?
The legal battle is currently ongoing in a probate court in Nevada. A judge will ultimately decide whether Rupert Murdoch can legally alter the trust to favor Lachlan. The outcome of this case will determine the future of the Murdoch media empire and its influence on the political landscape.
Show Notes
For years, Rupert Murdoch seemed content to let his children battle it out for control of his conservative media empire once he’s gone.
Jim Rutenberg, who writes about media and politics for The Times, discusses how a secret change to that plan by Mr. Murdoch touched off an ugly family squabble that could influence how much of the world sees the news.
Guest: Jim Rutenberg, a writer at large for The New York Times and The New York Times Magazine.
Background reading:
- Mr. Murdoch has moved to preserve his media businesses as a conservative force. Several of his children are fighting back.
- The 93-year-old media tycoon spent the past 70 years building a global media empire that gave him influence in journalism, politics and pop culture. Here’s how.
For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.