The Murdoch Family Drama: A Power Struggle Unfolds
In the Murdoch’s case, life isn’t imitating art, it’s influencing it. In late 2023, Rupert, 93, and his protégé son Lachlan, 53, attempted to strip siblings James, 52, Prudence, 67, and Elisabeth, 56, of their right to share control of the multi-billion dollar global empire.
The Murdoch family is no stranger to internal strife. Unlike the ultra-conservative Rupert and Lachlan, James and his left-leaning sisters often found themselves at odds with their father and brother on issues such as climate change and politics.
A shocking report from the New York Times exposed Rupert’s plan to consolidate power within the family by leaving Lachlan in charge of the Fox empire, effectively granting him total control. This proposal, dubbed “Project Family Harmony” by Rupert, backfired as Elisabeth vehemently expressed her opposition, accusing her father of disenfranchising her and her siblings.
The rift within the Murdoch family has laid bare the complexities of succession planning within a media dynasty. As the battle for control continues to unfold, the future of the Murdoch empire hangs in the balance.
