On the Media: McKay Coppins on The Murdochs
Host: Brooke Gladstone | Guest: McKay Coppins
Release Date: July 30, 2025
Introduction
In the July 30, 2025 episode of the Peabody Award-winning podcast On the Media, hosted by Brooke Gladstone from WNYC Studios, Brooke welcomes McKay Coppins, a staff writer at The Atlantic. The episode delves into the intricate dynamics of the Murdoch family, particularly focusing on the recent legal battles, internal power struggles, and the implications for the global media empire controlled by Rupert Murdoch.
Trump’s Lawsuit Against Murdoch and The Wall Street Journal
The episode opens with a discussion of a high-profile lawsuit filed by former President Donald Trump against Rupert Murdoch and The Wall Street Journal (00:38). Trump's lawsuit centers around an exclusive story published by the Journal detailing a birthday card he sent to Jeffrey Epstein, which depicted a naked woman with Trump's signature in a controversial and explicit manner. Trump sought to leverage his long-standing relationship with Murdoch in an attempt to suppress the story, but his efforts were unsuccessful. As Trump escalates the matter, he has requested that Murdoch be compelled to answer questions under oath within 15 days, marking Murdoch as the sole individual he wishes to testify (00:38).
Murdoch Family Dynamics and Project Family Harmony
McKay Coppins introduces the internal family conflict within the Murdoch dynasty, emphasizing the impact of a secretive family trust known as "Project Family Harmony" (03:05). Originally established around 25 years ago during Rupert Murdoch's divorce from Anna Murdoch, the trust was intended to equally split control of the media empire among their four children to foster unity and cooperation. However, this plan has led to a bitter legal dispute as Rupert, now 94, attempts to revise the trust to favor his eldest son, Lachlan, effectively marginalizing his other children (03:07).
Coppins explains, “liz and his sisters would team up against Lachlan to force some changes to the companies that Rupert believes would devastate his legacy as this singular voice in conservative media” (03:36).
James Murdoch’s Career and Struggles Within News Corp
The focus shifts to James Murdoch, Rupert's son, whose career within the family empire has been fraught with challenges. Initially positioned as the head of digital publishing at News Corp, James struggled to implement innovative ideas, often feeling undermined and dismissed within the organization (07:00). His tenure was further complicated by the infamous phone hacking scandal that erupted in 2011, severely tarnishing his reputation and leading to his relocation back to New York in disgrace (12:21).
James's attempts to revitalize News Corp's presence in Asia by pivoting towards the Indian market showcased his capability, yet internal family politics and his father's reluctance to appoint a clear successor hindered his progress (09:36).
The Phone Hacking Scandal and Its Impact
A significant turning point discussed is the 2011 phone hacking scandal involving News of the World, a Murdoch-owned publication. The scandal emerged when it was revealed that journalists had hacked into the voicemails of public figures, including the tragic case of Millie Dowler, a British teenager who was murdered in 2002 (10:04). Although the hacking occurred before James took charge, the fallout forced him to take responsibility and contributed to the strained relationships within the family, particularly between James and his sister Liz (11:34).
Liz's role in attempting to fire James on behalf of their father, following Liz's suggestion to Rupert, led to a significant rift, leaving James isolated and estranged from his sister for years (11:50).
Influence of HBO’s "Succession" on Murdoch Family Perceptions
An intriguing aspect of the episode is the parallel between the real-life Murdoch family dynamics and the fictional portrayal in HBO’s Succession. Coppins notes that the Murdochs are both inspired by and sensitive to the show's depiction of family power struggles (14:04). The murky interplay between fiction and reality heightened Rupert Murdoch’s paranoia, leading him to believe that his children might be plotting against him, much like the characters in the show (15:15).
Liz Murdoch’s reaction to an episode where Logan Roy dies without a clear succession plan spurred her to proactively draft potential plans for Rupert’s passing, further intensifying the family's legal disputes over the trust (15:43).
Legal Battle Over the Trust and Implications for News Corp
The heart of the episode revolves around the ongoing litigation concerning the family trust, which Rupert's plan to amend is currently pending appeal as of December 2024 (16:37). Coppins reveals that James and his sisters are pushing for significant changes within the media empire, especially targeting Fox News, which James views as a threat to democracy due to its biased reporting and influence on political discourse (17:10).
James advocates for Fox News to be managed by professionals committed to truth and integrity, criticizing instances where the network has promoted misleading information, such as endorsing oil company interests or propagating unfounded claims about election fraud (16:53).
Potential Changes to Fox News and the Media Landscape
Coppins discusses the broader implications of potential shifts within Fox News. Should James and his siblings succeed in restructuring the trust to limit Lachlan's control, Fox News might undergo significant transformations that could alter the American media and political landscape (18:07). However, the entrenched nature of conservative media suggests that even substantial changes might be mitigated by the network’s established influence and the proliferation of similar outlets.
Notable Quotes
- Brooke Gladstone (00:38): “Murdoch is the only person Trump is asking to appear in person.”
- McKay Coppins (02:05): “He wants to from the grave, manipulate and govern not just his media outlets, but the politics of the countries where they are most influential.”
- Brooke Gladstone (04:21): “James said Rupert's a misogynist.”
- McKay Coppins (07:06): “Everything that I do, everything I do it to protect this family.”
- Brooke Gladstone (07:28): “Except that if he wanted to leave it to his children, then why does he want to control it from the grave?”
- McKay Coppins (07:42): “It's ultimately about him.”
- Coppins on 'Succession' (15:15): “Rupert sees that on screen, you know, various kids are plotting against him, and he somehow becomes convinced that his real life kids are maneuvering against him.”
Conclusion
The episode of On the Media provides an in-depth exploration of the Murdoch family’s internal struggles, the legal battles shaping the future of a global media empire, and the profound impact these dynamics have on media integrity and political discourse. McKay Coppins effectively unpacks the complexities of legacy, power, and familial loyalty within one of the world's most influential media families, offering listeners a nuanced understanding of how personal relationships and corporate interests intertwine in the upper echelons of global media power.
For those interested in media studies, corporate power dynamics, or the intersection of family and business, this episode offers valuable insights into the ongoing saga of the Murdoch empire and its implications for the broader media landscape.