The long-running Murdoch family feud has concluded, resulting in Lachlan Murdoch securing firm control over both News Corp. and Fox Corp. In a multi-million dollar settlement, Rupert Murdoch's children, Prudence MacLeod, Elisabeth Murdoch, and James Murdoch, have agreed to relinquish their voting shares and any involvement in the family trusts governing the media empires. This effectively ends all litigation stemming from Rupert Murdoch's attempt to consolidate control under Lachlan's leadership.
The settlement solidifies Lachlan's position at the helm of the conservative-leaning media conglomerate, a decision that has implications for Fox News, the financial cornerstone of Fox Corp. James and Elisabeth Murdoch, known for holding differing political viewpoints from Lachlan, will no longer have a say in the direction of the companies. This marks a significant shift, given their previously expressed concerns.
This outcome provides Fox News with a clear path forward as its competitors, CNN and MSNBC, face significant challenges. MSNBC's transition to Versant and CNN's struggles under Warner Bros. Discovery create an opportunity for Fox News to solidify its position in the evolving media landscape. Unlike some rivals who are grappling with the changing tides of the industry and the rise of streaming, Fox, having divested from substantial cable assets years ago, has strategically focused on live programming and event coverage, including sports and news.
The financial terms of the settlement are substantial. Documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission indicate each of the three siblings—Prudence, Elisabeth, and James—will receive approximately half a billion dollars. They are obligated to sell all personal holdings in both Fox Corp. and News Corp and are barred from purchasing shares in either company for an extended period. The resulting dilution of Murdoch family voting shares will leave them with approximately 33.1% in News Corp. and 36.2% in Fox Corp.
This resolution eliminates a major source of corporate distraction for both News Corp. and Fox Corp., allowing them to focus on navigating the complexities of the current media industry.
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Originally published at: https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/lachlan-murdoch-snares-fox-news-control-family-settlement-1236512157/
