The Murdoch Family’s Media Empire: Control, Controversy, and Future Challenges

The Murdoch Family’s Media Empire: Control and Controversy

The Murdoch family’s influence over their extensive media empire has consistently captivated public interest, entwined with narratives of intrigue and familial drama. Recently, this dynamic has come under scrutiny from a notable shareholder activist, Jeffrey C. Smith, who is making headlines with his bold proposals.

Mr. Smith, the head of Starboard Value, a hedge fund known for its activist strategies, has put forth a nonbinding shareholder proposal that aims to dismantle the Murdochs’ control over News Corp. This proposal has been communicated to fellow shareholders in a letter that has caught the attention of major media outlets, including The New York Times.

Currently, the Murdoch family holds a 14 percent economic stake in News Corp, the parent organization of prestigious publications such as The Wall Street Journal. However, they maintain a formidable grip on governance, controlling 41 percent of the voting rights through special shares. Starboard, for its part, owns 3.7 percent of nonvoting shares in News Corp and 4.6 percent of the voting shares, positioning it as a significant player in the company’s future.

The shares owned by the Murdoch family, along with similar controlling stock for Fox, are held within a family trust overseen by Rupert Murdoch. Upon his passing, control of this trust is slated to be transferred to his four adult children. However, tensions are palpable, as three of these children are currently embroiled in a legal battle against their father concerning his decision to grant his son, Lachlan Murdoch, majority control of the trust after his death.

In his letter, Mr. Smith articulates a compelling argument against the perpetuation of dual-class shares. He asserts, “There are no reasonable arguments to extend super-voting rights and de facto control to the inheritors of a founder.” This sentiment highlights a growing concern about the implications of inherited control in modern corporate governance.

While structures like dual-class shares are not uncommon in the media landscape—similar to the control exerted by the Sulzberger family over The New York Times Company and the Redstone family over Paramount—Mr. Smith warns that the political disagreements among Rupert Murdoch’s children could lead to paralyzing effects on the strategic direction of News Corp. As the family saga unfolds, the future of one of the world’s most powerful media empires hangs in the balance.