SAEDNEWS: Lachlan Murdoch has cemented his control over his father’s vast media empire after striking a $4.4 billion deal with his three siblings. While Lachlan secures long-term power, Prudence, Elisabeth, and James walk away with $1.1 billion each — marking a dramatic end to years of legal and personal battles.
As a rock climber, Lachlan Murdoch is no stranger to dangerous climbs. But his toughest ascent wasn’t on a mountain — it was inside his own family. After decades of power struggles and bitter legal fights, Lachlan has finally secured his place as the sole heir to Rupert Murdoch’s media empire.
The deal, finalized this week, sees his three siblings — Prudence, Elisabeth, and James — surrender their shares in Fox Corporation and News Corp in exchange for a staggering $1.1 billion each. The agreement, worth roughly $4.4 billion in total, cements Lachlan’s grip on the empire while making his siblings wealthier than ever.
For years, the Murdoch family saga has fascinated the public, inspiring books, documentaries, and even the hit HBO series Succession. At the heart of the drama was a single question: who would inherit Rupert Murdoch’s empire?
Originally dubbed Project Family Harmony, Rupert and Lachlan’s attempt to consolidate control ended in chaos when the other siblings sued to block the move. Court documents laid bare decades of animosity and distrust within the family. What looked like a power grab turned into one of the most spectacular sibling feuds in modern business history.
On the surface, Lachlan has won. He will remain the executive leader of Fox, keeping its conservative editorial line intact. Rupert Murdoch has long argued that Lachlan was the “best to run the business,” admired both inside and outside the company.
But his victory came at a cost: paying his siblings billions more than they were originally offered. To some, that looks less like a triumph and more like a settlement designed to buy peace. For the siblings, it is a financial windfall — each of them now has independent billionaire status and the freedom to pursue their own ventures.
The timing of this consolidation couldn’t be more critical. Fox News, the empire’s crown jewel, remains the most influential conservative media outlet in America. As Donald Trump seeks to strengthen his grip during his second presidency, Fox’s unwavering support has been essential.
Had James or Elisabeth gained more influence, there was speculation the network might soften its stance. That prospect has now evaporated. Lachlan’s leadership guarantees Fox will remain aligned with the right-wing populist movement, ensuring the Murdoch family’s role in American politics continues.
For Lachlan, the challenge now is balancing business with politics. The empire faces pressure from new pro-MAGA media platforms and critics demanding greater transparency about past scandals, including lingering controversies around Jeffrey Epstein.
Meanwhile, Rupert Murdoch — now in his 90s — has finally achieved what he always wanted: a clear line of succession. The empire he built, from newspapers like The Times and The Wall Street Journal to Fox News, is now firmly in Lachlan’s hands.
Yet, the deal leaves one lingering question: did Lachlan truly win control, or did his siblings walk away with the sweeter prize?
