Apple News In Conversation Inside the Murdoch family’s succession drama
20 snips
Mar 6, 2025 McKay Coppins, a staff writer at The Atlantic known for his deep dive into the Murdoch family saga, shares the gripping story of Rupert Murdoch's power struggle over his media empire. He walks us through the turbulent court battle sparked by Murdoch's decision to favor Lachlan over James, illuminating the fraught sibling dynamics and James's journey to reclaim his narrative. Coppins also delves into the ideological divides among the brothers during the Trump years and the emotional fallout of their estrangement, revealing a family caught in a dramatic legacy fight.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
James Murdoch: The Rebellious Son
- James Murdoch, the youngest son, was initially seen as a black sheep due to his differing political views and rebellious youth.
- However, after his father, Rupert, attempted to rewrite the family trust, James felt betrayed and decided to share his story.
Rupert Murdoch: The Distant Father
- Rupert Murdoch, despite his immense influence, wasn't actively involved in his children's lives, especially during their youth.
- While he introduced them to his businesses, his presence felt more like that of a distant celebrity.
A Threat, Not a Successor
- Despite James's corporate successes, Rupert seemed more threatened than proud, viewing his son's achievements as a challenge to his own power.
- This dynamic created distance between them, hindering a healthy father-son relationship.
