Lachlan Murdoch, the new face of the media empire
Lachlan Murdoch, Rupert Murdoch’s eldest son, is set to take the reins of the News Corp and Fox Corporation media empire. This transfer of power marks a turning point in the history of these two media giants, but also in the life of Lachlan who experienced a tumultuous rise before arriving at this position of president.
Born from Rupert Murdoch’s second marriage to journalist Anna Torv, Lachlan grew up in his father’s shadow and quickly showed an interest in the world of media. After graduating from Princeton University, he joined his father’s band in Australia where he quickly rose through the ranks. At just 25 years old, he was already managing director of News Ltd, the Australian arm of the Murdoch empire. Everything then seemed destined for him to succeed his father at the head of the group.
However, in 2005, Lachlan resigned unexpectedly, causing everyone’s surprise. His departure has been interpreted as a reflection of conflicts with his father and disagreements over the management of the company. For nearly a decade, he stayed in the background, letting his younger brother James take the reins of the Murdoch empire.
But in 2014, Lachlan returned to the family business by becoming non-executive co-chairman of News Corp. He gradually regained influence and became executive chairman of 21st Century Fox in 2015, then chairman and CEO of Fox Corporation in 2019. His brother James, for his part, resigned from the board of directors of News Corp in 2020, following differences on the company’s strategy.
Today, Lachlan Murdoch is set to take over as chairman of News Corp and Fox Corporation, marking a new era for these two media behemoths. His appointment nevertheless raises questions about the direction that the Murdoch empire will take. Lachlan is seen as more conservative than his brother James, and some fear he will reinforce his media’s political tilt toward the right.
Despite the controversies surrounding the Murdoch media empire, there is no denying that Lachlan has inherited a business of great prestige and considerable influence in the global media landscape. His challenge will be to preserve the family heritage while adapting to changes in the sector. A task that will require talent, vision and sensitivity to the issues of our time.
By taking over as chairman of News Corp and Fox Corporation, Lachlan Murdoch is entering a new phase of his career and writing a new chapter in the history of the media empire. The success or failure of his management remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: he is ready to take on the challenge and defend the family legacy with determination.