Nevada Commissioner Rejects Murdoch's Bid to Install Lachlan and Lock in Fox News's Right-Wing Slant

Dec 9, 2024, 09:14 PM

Rupert Murdoch has failed in his bid to change his family trust to consolidate control of his media empire under his eldest son Lachlan Murdoch and lock in Fox News's right-wing editorial slant. A Nevada probate commissioner, Edmund Gorman, ruled resoundingly against Murdoch's attempt, characterizing the plan as a "carefully crafted charade" to "permanently cement Lachlan Murdoch's executive roles" within the empire, according to a sealed 96-page court document obtained by The New York Times. The commissioner concluded that Rupert and Lachlan Murdoch had acted in "bad faith" in their effort to amend the irrevocable trust. The opinion "eviscerated" Rupert and Lachlan Murdoch. Murdoch plans to appeal the ruling. Murdoch's other children—Prudence, Elisabeth, and James—welcomed the decision and expressed hope for strengthening family relationships. The ruling prevents Rupert Murdoch from altering the trust that controls Fox Corp. and News Corp., thereby maintaining the current succession structure.