Why did Rupert Murdoch just leave his media empire?
Sep 21, 2023
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Longtime Murdoch family watcher, Brian Stelter, discusses Rupert Murdoch's retirement and the implications for his media empire. Speculations include leadership vacuum, recent actions, potential legal concerns, consequences for Fox, and the future of the Murdoch empire.
Rupert Murdoch's retirement marks a significant change, reflecting his decreased level of engagement with his media empire and raising questions about the future direction of Fox Corporation.
The current leadership vacuum at Fox Corporation, with indications of a lack of strong leadership and a passive approach to decision-making, poses challenges for the company's content and shareholders.
Deep dives
Rupert Murdoch announces retirement from his media empire
Rupert Murdoch, age 92, has formally announced his retirement from his media empire. While this may seem like a torch-passing moment, there is more to the story than meets the eye. Over the years, there has been a gradual shift in his level of engagement with his company, with evidence suggesting that he has been acting more like a bystander than an owner. This is reflected in his lack of involvement in key decisions and his passive approach to running the business. This retirement marks a significant change, especially considering his previous hands-on approach to news operations. It also raises questions about the leadership vacuum and the future direction of Fox Corporation.
Potential leadership void and challenges faced by Fox Corporation
With Rupert Murdoch stepping away from his media empire, there are concerns about the current leadership at Fox Corporation. While Lachlan Murdoch is nominally in charge, there are indications that he is more laid-back and not as involved as his father was. Reports suggest a lack of strong leadership and a vacuum within the organization, impacting decision-making and overall operations. This has led to questions about the future of Fox Corporation, not only in terms of content but also for shareholders who have seen the stock decline in recent years. The company faces ongoing challenges, including litigation related to the spread of voter fraud lies and a changing media landscape.
Complexity of succession and potential outcomes
The Murdoch family's succession dynamics are complex, with the possibility of various scenarios unfolding. While Lachlan Murdoch currently holds the reins, there is speculation about the involvement of other Murdoch siblings, particularly James and Elizabeth. James, who has distanced himself from the company, could potentially seek to regain control in the future. Elizabeth's stance remains unclear, but she has been reported to advocate for selling parts or all of Fox Corporation. With Fox facing legal battles and potential litigation, there is a theory that Rupert Murdoch's retirement is a strategic move to distance himself from possible future legal troubles. The succession will likely be far from a simple winner-takes-all situation, and the future of Fox Corporation remains uncertain.
One of the most powerful people of the 21st century says he’s retiring. Rupert Murdoch, 92, will hand over control of News Corp. and Fox Corp. to his son Lachlan, in November. What does that actually mean? And what happens next?
Here to offer some very informed speculation is longtime Murdoch family watcher Brian Stelter, who wrote one book on Murdoch and Fox News and has another one on the way. Up for discussion with Vox’s Peter Kafka: How active has Rupert been at the top of his company? Why is this happening now? What happens to the Murdoch empire right now? And, most importantly - what happens to that empire once Rupert retires from planet Earth?
Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) is the author of Hoax: Donald Trump, Fox News, and the Dangerous Distortion of Truth and the forthcoming book Network of Lies: The Epic Saga of Fox News, Donald Trump, and the Battle for American Democracy
Host: Peter Kafka (@pkafka), Senior Editor at Recode
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