Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Watch: Rupert Murdoch arrives at Nevada court to determine fate of Fox News and Wall Street Journal

Oliver Browning
Monday 16 September 2024 13:55 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Watch from outside a Nevada court as a battle over control of Rupert Murdoch’s global television and publishing empire begins Monday 16 September, where a judge will consider the contentious matter of succession.

Mr Murdoch, 93, is attempting to change the terms of the family’s trust - which holds significant stakes in Fox News parent Fox and Wall Street Journal owner News Corp.

The billionaire is looking to ensure that, upon his death, the media companies remain under the control of his eldest son, Lachlan Murdoch, according to the New York Times, which obtained a sealed court document detailing the drama.

A hearing to determine whether Mr Murdoch is acting in good faith will take place in probate court, where the proceedings are closed to the public.

On Thursday, a Nevada judge rejected an appeal by Reuters and other news organisations to open the hearings to the public.

The news organisations had said the fate of such culturally and politically influential media outlets was a matter of public interest, but the judge cited the need to prevent disclosure of confidential personal and financial information.

Most documents also remain under seal.

The Murdoch trust was formed around the time of Mr Murdoch’s divorce from his second wife, Anna, in 1999. The trust is the vehicle through which the elder Murdoch controls News Corp and Fox, with roughly a 40 per cent stake in voting shares of each company.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in