The Murdoch clan’s Succession battle is to come to court next month – but the case will be held in secret.
Media tycoon Rupert Murdoch, 93, is trying to disenfranchise his children Prudence, James and Elisabeth in favour of his Right-wing son and chosen heir, Lachlan.
The drama is mirrored in the TV show Succession, which follows three siblings vying for power over their brusque father’s media empire.
The repercussions of the real-world legal action – from September 16 at Washoe County Second Judicial District Court in Reno, Nevada – may have significant effects on the US political and media landscape.
All principal parties are expected to attend the five-day fight at the neoclassical courthouse, once famous as the divorce capital of America.
Moves are already afoot to try to deny the family the secrecy granted to them by a judge.
Last week, an individual working for a judicial website became the first to challenge plans to hold the case in secret – saying it was ‘unconstitutional’.
Alex Falconi, from the organisation Our Nevada Judges, said state law prevents judges from making court cases completely confidential.
He complained that the clerk to the court had refused to disclose hearing dates and times, the existence of the case, and the names of the counsel.
Mr Falconi also took issue with the sealing of 360 court documents.
‘‘The sealing order unconstitutionally interferes with press access to the courtroom and violates Supreme Court rules. Every sealing order in this case must also be unsealed, Mr Falconi said.
Despite the secrecy surrounding the case, The New York Times has reported that the action relates to efforts by Mr Murdoch to change the terms of the trust that controls his media empire to hand Lachlan a majority that cannot be challenged once he dies.
Mr Murdoch argues that only Lachlan can maintain the conservative editorial stance of Fox and News Corp, which he took over in 2019, and that the others may damage it commercially as they are more liberal.
A leaked pre-trial document reportedly suggests Mr Murdoch could amend the trust if he can show he is acting in good faith and for the sole benefit of his heirs.
The coming trial is to determine that.
A spokesman for Mr Murdoch did not respond to a request for comment.