Why Rupert Murdoch’s succession case could be a major blow to his right-wing legacy

Court rejects patriarch Rupert‘s bid to have son Lachlan assume control, giving more liberal Murdochs a say in the content of the conservative media empire

Rupert Murdoch (pictured) wanted to change the family’s trust to ensure that Lachlan, CEO of Fox Corporation and chairman of News Corp, would control the empire after his death rather than sharing power with his siblings James, Elisabeth and Prudence. File photo

A Nevada court has dealt nonagenarian media mogul Rupert Murdoch a major blow. And one that could, potentially, shatter his plans to secure his right-wing legacy.

Behind closed doors, Murdoch has been involved in a legal battle for control of the family’s media assets, pitching the mogul and Lachlan Murdoch, his political protégé and heir apparent, against the patriarch’s three other oldest children.