The Murdoch clan’s succession battle will go to trial next month, but the case will be heard in secret.
Media magnate Rupert Murdoch, 93, is attempting to disenfranchise his children Prudence, James and Elisabeth in favour of his right-wing son and heir-elect, Lachlan.
The drama is a reflection of the TV series Succession, in which three siblings battle for control of their gruff father’s media empire.
The real-world fallout from the trial — which took place on September 16 in the Washoe County Second Judicial District Court in Reno, Nevada — could have significant implications for the American political and media landscape.
All major parties are expected to attend the five-day battle at the neoclassical courthouse, once known as the divorce capital of America.
Media mogul Rupert Murdoch, 93, is trying to disenfranchise his children Prudence, James and Elisabeth in favour of his right-wing son and chosen heir, Lachlan (pictured together in 2018)
The drama is reflected in the TV series Succession, which follows three siblings as they battle for control of their gruff father’s media empire.
James has notoriously condemned Fox News’ embrace of Donald Trump and has policies that are at odds with his father’s. He left Fox News when Lachlan took over. Lachlan is currently chairman of News Corp, whose publications include the Wall Street Journal and the Sun, and chairman and CEO of Fox Corp.
Mr Murdoch’s decision to name Lachlan as his heir has reportedly alienated him from his three eldest children. His daughters Prudence and Elizabeth are pictured (left and right)
Steps are already being taken to deny the family the confidentiality granted to them by the judge.
Last week, an employee of a legal website was the first to object to plans to keep the case secret, calling it “unconstitutional.”
Alex Falconi, of the organization Our Nevada Judges, said state law prohibits judges from making cases completely confidential. He complained that the court clerk had refused to disclose the dates and times of hearings, the existence of the case and the names of the attorneys.
Mr. Falconi also objected to the sealing of 360 court documents. He said, “The sealing orders unconstitutionally obstruct the press’s access to the courtroom and violate the rules of the Supreme Court. Every sealing order in this case must also be unsealed.”
Despite the secrecy surrounding the case, The New York Times reports that the action is related to Murdoch’s efforts to change the terms of the trust fund that governs his media empire, so that Lachlan would have a majority stake that could not be challenged if he died.
Murdoch argues that only Lachlan can maintain the conservative editorial stance of Fox and News Corp, which he took over in 2019, and that the others could harm it commercially because they are more liberal.
A leaked pre-trial document reportedly suggests that Mr. Murdoch could amend the trust if he can show he is acting in good faith and solely for the benefit of his heirs. The upcoming trial will determine that.
A spokesman for Mr Murdoch did not respond to a request for comment.