This week, all eyes are on Carson City, where the Nevada Supreme Court is weighing whether the public should be allowed a look inside a sealed courtroom fight that could decide the future of conservative media in America.
The Battle Between Brothers and Sisters
The case centers on Rupert Murdoch, the 93-year-old founder of Fox News, The Wall Street Journal, and the New York Post.
Years ago, he set up a family trust to divide control of his media empire among his four oldest children after his death.
That plan gave each child (Lachlan, James, Elisabeth, and Prudence) an equal vote.
But Murdoch later tried to change that setup. He wanted Lachlan, who shares his conservative values, to hold sole control.
He argued this would protect the editorial direction of Fox News and keep the company strong for the long haul.
Not everyone in the family agreed. James publicly backed Kamala Harris in the 2024 election. Elisabeth has leaned moderate too. Along with Prudence, they opposed their father’s attempt to rewrite the trust.
Some have compared the feud to a prime-time soap opera – only this isn’t fiction; it’s real, and going on within one of the most powerful media families in the world.
Why Big Families Pick Nevada for Legal Drama
Why is this drama playing out in Reno and Carson City instead of New York or Los Angeles?
Because Nevada’s probate courts are some of the most private in the country.
Families looking for secrecy often choose Nevada because certain cases can be “super-sealed.” That means even the names, documents, and rulings don’t appear on public court dockets.
Critics call it a “culture of secrecy.” Supporters say it helps protect families from unnecessary attention, or even threats.
Murdoch’s attorneys argued that opening the case could put the family at risk, referencing a kidnapping incident that happened over 50 years ago.
What the Probate Court Said
In December 2024, Probate Commissioner Edmund Gorman issued a 96-page ruling rejecting Rupert Murdoch’s attempt to change the trust.
He said Rupert and Lachlan had acted in “bad faith,” calling their effort a “carefully crafted charade” to secure Lachlan’s control, not to serve the best interests of all four heirs.
The ruling was a big setback for Rupert and Lachlan, but it wasn’t the final word. Their legal team appealed the decision, and that separate fight over the trust’s future is still ongoing in Nevada courts.
Media Giants Demand Court Transparency
The current issue before the Nevada Supreme Court isn’t about who controls the trust; it’s about whether the public should be allowed to see what’s going on.
A coalition of media outlets including CNN, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Reuters, NPR, and others want the court to unseal the case.
They argue that since the dispute involves the future of a massive global media empire, the public has a constitutional right to know what’s happening behind closed doors.
Local groups like the Nevada Open Government Coalition and Our Nevada Judges are backing the petition. They point to a 2024 Nevada Supreme Court ruling (Falconi v. Nevada) that said most civil court cases, including family court matters, should be open to the public.
Murdoch’s lawyers disagree. They say this is a private family trust, not a public matter. They also warn that releasing confidential financial or business records could give competitors an unfair edge.
What Happens to Fox News If Lachlan Loses?
At the heart of this case is a deeper question: Will Fox News stay conservative?
If Lachlan keeps control, Fox is likely to stay on the same course. If power shifts to James or Elisabeth, who lean more liberal, the network could move in a very different direction.
That would shake up not just the company, but the national conversation.
The bigger fight is about whether or not one of the few major news outlets still pushing back on the left will stay true to that mission.
Nevada Supreme Court Decision Could Drop Soon
As of September 1, 2025, the Nevada Supreme Court hasn’t ruled on the media’s request to open the case.
If they decide to unseal it, the public could finally learn what’s really happening behind the scenes. If not, the legal battle will continue in the dark.
Either way, the outcome won’t just affect one family. It could shape the future of conservative media in America.
The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Nevada News & Views. This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
