7am
Part 2: The fall of the Murdoch empire
Feb 23, 2025
In this engaging discussion, McKay Coppins, a staff writer at The Atlantic renowned for his investigative work on the Murdoch family, delves into the intricate dynamics of the empire. He shares insights on James Murdoch's emotional struggles regarding his father's favoritism during a pivotal Zoom call. Coppins also highlights the high-stakes legal battle over the family trust and discusses the fraught relations within the family. Additionally, he critiques Fox News from James's perspective, raising questions about the media's role in shaping legacy and democracy.
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Quick takeaways
- James Murdoch's feelings of betrayal reflect deep family rifts, revealing conflicts over control and inheritance that threaten the empire's unity.
- Critiquing Fox News, James advocates for stronger journalistic standards to restore credibility and integrity within the media landscape.
Deep dives
The Family Betrayal
James Murdoch expressed feelings of betrayal upon learning that his father, Rupert Murdoch, intended to change the family trust to favor his brother Lachlan. This decision, delivered during a robotic Zoom call with lawyers present, shocked James, especially since their mother had previously ensured equal shares for all four eldest children in the family business. The shift in control not only contradicted their mother's intentions but also signified a significant rift within the family. James described this revelation as a painful moment in a long history of internal family conflicts exacerbated by Rupert's divisive tactics.
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