"His father's pawn," is how one insider described Lachlan Murdoch. This handsome 52-year-old billionaire, married to a former model, a keen climber and sailor, will forever remain in Rupert Murdoch's shadow.
He is "a shrewd investor" but one who is "not looking to be a kingmaker" or for the political influence his father has pursued, says Paddy Manning, Lachlan Murdoch's biographer (The Successor: The High-Stakes Life of Lachlan Murdoch, 2022). "What he's really interested in is the profitability of his business," Manning said in July.
Whatever his attributes, it is clear already that Lachlan, the new chairman of the English-speaking world's leading media group, will never have the stature of – or provoke as much controversy as – his father. On Thursday, September 21, 92-year-old Rupert announced that he would step down in mid-November as chairman of Fox Corp and News Corp, the two companies that make up his group. He will become "chairman emeritus" of both entities. He will no longer have a reserved seat on their boards, but will retain the right to attend if he wishes.
His eldest son and third child, Lachlan, since 2018 the only member of the family at his side, officially succeeds him. He will thus oversee a group that includes Fox News and the Wall Street Journal in the US, the Sun and the Times in the UK, and 60% of Australian newspapers in terms of circulation.
Make no mistake, Murdoch Snr has no intention of enjoying a relaxing retirement. In a memo sent to his employees, the Australian-American stated that he is in "very good health" and is inventing "a new role" for himself in defending freedom of expression. "My father proudly believed in freedom, and Lachlan is absolutely dedicated to that cause. The elites have open contempt for those who are not part of their dwindling class. Most of the media are in cahoots with these elites, telling political stories rather than seeking the truth. In my new role, I guarantee that I will be in this battle of ideas on a daily basis."
The man who has always loved being at the heart of political influence, making and ending the careers of prime ministers and presidents, seems set to redouble his activity in this area. "I'll watch our broadcasts with a critical eye, read our newspapers, sites and books [he owns the American publishing house HarperCollins] with great interest, and share my insights and advice." Those working on this output and perhaps hoping to see the patriarch disappear will be disappointed: "When I visit your companies and countries, you can expect to see me in the office until late Friday afternoon."
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