Murdoch Dynasty Unraveling: Explosive New Book Reveals Cracks in Fox News

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  Published in Food and Wine on Tuesday, February 3rd 2026 at 14:56 GMT by NPR
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The Cracks in the Kingdom: The Unraveling of the Murdoch Dynasty and the Future of Fox News

Gabriel Sherman's explosive new book, The Dealmakers, isn't simply a recounting of family drama within the Murdoch empire; it's a meticulous autopsy of a media dynasty in decline, and a stark warning about the corrosive power of unchecked influence in the modern age. Published on February 3rd, 2026, the book arrives at a pivotal moment, as Fox News navigates a drastically altered media landscape and confronts the long-term ramifications of its role in the dissemination of misinformation.

For decades, Rupert Murdoch's name has been synonymous with media dominance. He built a global empire on a foundation of calculated risks, aggressive acquisitions, and an unwavering commitment to his own ideological vision. However, The Dealmakers reveals the fragility beneath that seemingly impenetrable facade. Sherman doesn't present Murdoch as an omnipotent figure, but as a patriarch increasingly out of touch, struggling to maintain control amidst internal squabbles and external pressures. The book's core argument is that the empire wasn't built to last, but to serve the ambitions of its founder, and without his firm hand, it's rapidly fracturing.

The central conflict detailed in the book is the succession battle amongst Murdoch's children, with Lachlan Murdoch emerging as the presumptive heir, but not without a fierce and often acrimonious struggle. Sherman paints a picture of intense rivalry and strategic maneuvering, suggesting Lachlan's position wasn't a foregone conclusion, and that his eventual ascent was a result of a complex web of alliances and compromises. This internal competition, the book argues, has significantly weakened News Corp, diverting resources and energy away from innovation and genuine journalistic integrity. The constant power plays have created a culture of fear and self-preservation within the organization, stifling dissent and fostering an environment ripe for ethical lapses.

Perhaps the most damaging revelations within The Dealmakers center on the Dominion Voting Systems lawsuit. The book provides a behind-the-scenes account of the internal deliberations at Fox News as the network faced mounting evidence of its role in amplifying false claims about the 2020 election. It goes beyond the financial settlement, detailing the agonizing ethical debates that took place, the legal vulnerabilities that were knowingly ignored, and the deliberate choices made to prioritize profits and audience retention over truth. Sherman's reporting isn't merely about legal liability; it's about a fundamental betrayal of journalistic principles. The book highlights the sheer scale of the disinformation campaign and the calculated efforts to appeal to a politically polarized audience, even at the expense of factual accuracy.

The Dominion suit, while financially damaging, proved to be only the tip of the iceberg. Since the settlement, further lawsuits and investigations have emerged, fueled by the revelations in Sherman's book and independent reporting. The book points to a systemic problem, not isolated incidents, suggesting that the pursuit of ratings and revenue created a breeding ground for irresponsible journalism and the promotion of conspiracy theories.

The Dealmakers also sheds light on the growing disconnect between Fox News and its core audience. While the network continues to enjoy significant viewership, Sherman argues that its increasingly extreme rhetoric is alienating moderate conservatives and younger demographics. The book suggests that Fox News is trapped in an echo chamber, catering to a shrinking but intensely loyal base, and failing to adapt to the evolving media landscape. The rise of alternative conservative media outlets, coupled with the increasing fragmentation of the news ecosystem, poses a significant threat to Fox News' long-term viability.

The future of the Murdoch empire remains uncertain. Lachlan Murdoch faces the daunting task of navigating these challenges while simultaneously attempting to solidify his control and appease the various factions within News Corp. Sherman's book suggests he lacks the vision and charisma of his father, and that he is ill-equipped to lead the organization through this period of unprecedented turmoil. Whether Lachlan can successfully reinvent the network, restore its credibility, and adapt to the changing media landscape remains to be seen. However, The Dealmakers leaves little doubt that the foundations of the Murdoch dynasty are crumbling, and that the era of unchallenged media dominance is coming to an end.