Rupert Murdoch, the 93-year-old media magnate, is headed to court over the next month…but the hearing will be held completely in secret. Murdoch’s family is currently embroiled in a legal battle, with the media tycoon’s three children battling over who gets control of what elements of the business. Murdoch is reportedly leaning in favor of giving control of much of his media empire to his son, Lachlan, who leans right politically.
His other two children, Prudence James and Elisabeth, however, argue that they should have more control over his affairs. The legal battle is expected to formally commence on September 16 at the Washoe County Second Judicial District Court located in Reno, Nevada. How it turns out will is anyone’s guess, but the consequences of the legal battle, which will not be made public, will be huge for the United States. If Murdoch’s right-wing son wins, he’ll take control over the most influential media network on the planet. If his left-leaning children take control, they could completely up-end 90% of the world’s mainstream right-leaning media platforms.
Murdoch has so far argued that only his son Lachlan will be able to maintain his media empire’s conservative editorial stance, which includes entities like Fox and News Corp. He argues that should his left-leaning children take control of the outlets upon his death, they would suffer financially. And he’s…probably right.
Why Is the Case Being Kept Secret?
Lawyers representing all sides of the legal battle have argued in favor of containing the trial, though some attorneys have already stepped in to argue that the judge shouldn’t allow it to happen on constitutional grounds.
Alex Falconi, representing Our Nevada Judges, argues that under state law, the judge cannot make a court case entirely confidential. It follows a complaint from Falconi about the court refusing to post dates and times for upcoming hearings.
“The sealing order unconstitutionally interferes with press access to the courtroom and violates Supreme Court rules,” Falconi said, adding that “each and every sealing order” in the case must therefore be unsealed.
