A Nevada commissioner has ruled against Rupert Murdoch’s bid to change his family trust to consolidate control of his media empire in the hands of his son Lachlan, the New York Times reported, citing a sealed court document.

The high-stakes battle taking place in Reno, Nevada is set to determine the fate of one of the world’s most influential conservative media businesses and potentially shift the direction of an expansive media network that includes Fox News, The Wall Street Journal and The Australian.

If Rupert Murdoch had prevailed in his quest to change the terms of his trust “in good faith”, it would have ensured that son Lachlan, whose views are said to align the most with his father’s, would have controlled the family business without interference from his more moderate siblings.

However, losing the case would mean that James Murdoch – who has previously held fundraisers for President Joe Biden and was one of 88 corporate leaders who recently signed a letter endorsing Kamala Harris to replace him – will be able work with siblings Prudence and Elisabeth to take the business in a more moderate direction.

Lachlan is now the chairman of News Corp, and the executive chairman and chief executive of Fox Corporation, following his father’s decision to stand down last year.

Reuters

More to come

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