Fresh Air Podcast Summary: The Murdoch Family's Real-Life 'Succession' Rivalry

Podcast Information:

• Title: Fresh Air
• Host: Dave Davies (NPR)
• Episode: The Murdoch Family's Real-Life 'Succession' Rivalry
• Release Date: February 25, 2025
• Guest: McKay Coppins, Staff Writer for The Atlantic

Introduction to the Murdoch Family Rivalry

In this episode of Fresh Air, host Dave Davies delves into the intense and high-stakes rivalry within the Murdoch family, drawing parallels to the popular HBO series Succession. McKay Coppins, a seasoned writer for The Atlantic, provides an in-depth look at the real-life drama unfolding among Rupert Murdoch's children as they vie for control over the media empire, particularly Fox News.

Dave Davies [00:16]: "If you enjoyed the HBO series Succession about the children of an aging media mogul competing to inherit his business empire, you'll want to read the new article in The Atlantic by my guest, McKay Coppins."

Background on Rupert Murdoch and His Children

Rupert Murdoch, a 93-year-old media mogul, has built one of the most influential media empires in the world. He has three children with his second wife, Anna: Lachlan, James, and Liz, and a fourth child, Prudence (Prue), from a previous marriage. Lachlan and James, born 15 months apart, have been at the center of ongoing succession battles.

McKay Coppins [02:27]: "Rupert was always looking for opportunities to draw his kids into his professional world. At breakfast, the legend goes, he would spread the day's newspapers across the table... his animating motivation was to leave something meaningful, an inheritance to his children."

James Murdoch's Career and Relationship with Rupert

James Murdoch initially pursued interests outside the family business, engaging in countercultural activities and establishing an independent hip-hop label. However, his tenure in leadership roles, such as running the struggling Asian satellite TV company Star, showcased his business acumen and ability to turn around failing ventures. This unexpected success positioned him as a viable contender for leading the family empire, much to Lachlan's surprise.

McKay Coppins [10:16]: "James... was sent to run an Asian satellite TV company that his father owned called Star, which was losing money. And he does it and succeeds."

The 2011 News of the World Scandal

In 2011, News Corporation faced a massive scandal when its paper, the News of the World, was revealed to have hacked cell phones of individuals, including a murdered child's mother and families of soldiers killed in Afghanistan. James became the public face of the scandal, leading to tensions with Rupert.

Dave Davies [16:47]: "James... was basically offered up as the sacrificial lamb... [Rupert] insisted on making his kids compete for his approval."

The Trump Era and Its Impact on Murdoch Media

The rise of Donald Trump significantly influenced Fox News' trajectory. Initially skeptical, Rupert quickly aligned his media outlets to support Trump as Trump's popularity surged. This shift puzzled James, who had differing political views and valued journalistic responsibility over mere audience appeasement.

McKay Coppins [21:56]: "James... realized there actually were no ideas at the center of all these media outlets. It was really all about accumulating power and profit."

The 2023 Trust Amendment and Legal Battle

In an attempt to consolidate control, Rupert collaborated with Lachlan to amend the family trust, effectively sidelining James and his sisters. This move, termed "Project Family Home Harmony," aimed to grant Lachlan complete control over the media empire, disregarding the original agreement established to ensure equal say among all siblings.

McKay Coppins [28:23]: "Rupert begins working secretly with his son Lachlan... Project Family Home Harmony."

The amendment's abrupt presentation led James and his sisters to sue, resulting in a protracted legal battle focused on the trust's integrity and Rupert's motives.

The High-Stakes Trial and Ruling

The trial, held in Reno, Nevada, was marked by personal revelations and strained family dynamics. James took the stand, expressing emotional turmoil over the fractured relationships and the battle's toll on the family. Ultimately, the probate commissioner ruled against Rupert's attempt to amend the trust, reinstating the original setup that split control equally among the siblings.

McKay Coppins [38:04]: "He ruled that Rupert could not amend the trust in the way that he wanted to... control of the business would be split four ways among his four oldest children."

Rupert and Lachlan have appealed the decision, but the ruling stands as a significant victory for James and his sisters.

Future Implications for Fox News and the Murdoch Empire

With control set to remain divided, questions arise about the future direction of Fox News and the broader media empire. James envisions a more responsible approach to journalism, distancing from the aggressive and profit-driven tactics favored by Rupert. However, there are uncertainties about how this shift will impact Fox News' viewership and influence.

McKay Coppins [40:05]: "Fox News could still report from a conservative perspective without, for example, platforming quack doctors who rail against vaccines... to ensure that they are responsible members of the media landscape."

The Murdoch Family's Obsession with 'Succession'

Interestingly, the Murdoch family's real-life saga mirrors the fictional narrative of Succession. Members of the family have become engrossed in the show, recognizing uncanny similarities to their own experiences. This has fueled suspicions and tensions, with some believing that family secrets are being leaked to the show's writers.

McKay Coppins [42:17]: "James told me he watched the first episode and couldn't watch beyond it because it was too painful... the Murdoch family was obsessed with this show."

Creator Jesse Armstrong denied any insider leaks, attributing the similarities to widely reported family dynamics.

Conclusion

The Murdoch family's internal struggle over succession reveals deep-seated tensions and differing visions for the future of a media empire. As the legal battles continue and Rupert's health remains uncertain, the outcome will significantly shape the landscape of global media power.

McKay Coppins [44:02]: "This was central to the litigation with Rupert... a very high stakes legal drama that would determine the fate of one of the most powerful media empires in the world."

Notable Quotes:

• James Murdoch on Family Dysfunction [02:27]: "It was an expletive that we can't use, but he called it twisted behavior."

• Rupert Murdoch's Motivations [06:37]: "I don't know any son of any prominent media family who hasn't wanted to follow in the footsteps of his forebears. It's just too great a life now."

• James Murdoch's Vision for Fox News [40:05]: "Fox News could still report from a conservative perspective without... ensuring that they are responsible members of the media landscape."

This summary aims to encapsulate the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the Fresh Air episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those who haven't listened to the full conversation.