Media mogul Rupert Murdoch’s ongoing court case in Nevada is stirring up speculation over the future of his media empire. The 93-year-old Murdoch arrived at court on Monday for a hearing to review evidence behind closed doors. Last year, he sought to change the terms of his irrevocable family trust to ensure that his eldest son, Lachlan, remains in control of his media holdings, including Fox News and The Wall Street Journal. The court has kept the hearings closed to the public and most documents sealed, despite requests for access by news organizations.
The trust was initially set up to give equal control over Murdoch’s businesses to his four oldest children. Murdoch stepped down as leader of Fox News’s parent company and News Corp last year, arguing that Lachlan must maintain control to protect the conservative editorial outlook of his newspapers and TV networks.
Lachlan currently serves as chairman of News Corp and is an executive officer at Fox Corp. The trust amendment has caused tension between Rupert Murdoch and his other three children, who have united to oppose the change.
The court ruling in Nevada may allow Murdoch to amend the trust if he can prove he is acting in good faith and for the benefit of his heirs. The mogul’s concerns about potential disagreements among his children affecting the strategic direction and editorial policy of his companies seem to be at the center of the case.
As the evidentiary hearings continue through next week, the outcome of the case could have significant implications for the future of Murdoch’s media empire.
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