Murdoch Family Trust: The real battle over succession has yet to begin

Upon Rupert’s death, News Corp and Fox Corp voting shares will be transferred from Murdoch to his four adult children – Prudence, Elisabeth, Lachlan and James

Fox and News Corp have a dual-share system, with non-voting Class A shares and voting Class B shares. (Photo by Jean Catuffe/GC Images)

When Lachlan Murdoch, the eldest son of media titan Rupert Murdoch, was named the sole chairman of News Corp Thursday, the announcement put to rest immediate questions about who will run the sprawling media empire that includes some of the most powerful brands in the world.

However, the executive transition does not settle another potential power play that could occur upon Rupert Murdoch’s death, as framed by a document called the Murdoch Family Trust.