The Successor

The first major biography of Lachlan Murdoch, one of the world’s most powerful and enigmatic people – an epic saga of ruthless power plays and family battles

As heir apparent to his father's global media empire, Lachlan Murdoch is one of the world's most powerful people. Yet despite a life in the spotlight, Lachlan's personality, politics and business acumen remain enigmatic. Is he a risk-loving adventurer or dutiful son? Ultra-conservative ideologue or thoughtful libertarian? Scarred by a series of spectacular business failures, or an underrated leader who has shrewdly repositioned his family's assets? And will the third generation of Murdoch moguls prove the last?

In this riveting biography, acclaimed journalist Paddy Manning explores Lachlan Murdoch's upbringing, political beliefs and role as head of Fox Corporation - the man ultimately responsible for Fox News.

This is a book about the good, the bad and the ugly of the global media, and about America in the age of Trump and Biden. It is a book about power, apprenticeship, politics and succession.

'It is hard to think of a better time to write an account of the life and times of Lachlan Murdoch, heir-apparent to the News Corp throne - or of a better writer to do it. Who Lachlan Murdoch is, how he thinks and what he does with his power is vital to Australian democracy. Paddy Manning has it all covered. If the writers of Succession read this book, they'll be in work for years to come.' -Monica Attard, author of Russia: Which Way Paradise?

About the Author

Paddy Manning is the author of several award-winning books, including biographies of Malcolm Turnbull and Nathan Tinkler. During almost twenty years in journalism he has worked for Crikey, The Sydney Morning Herald, Australian Financial Review and The Australian, and has won several awards for journalistic excellence. His most recent book, Body Count, won the 2021 Victorian Premier's Literary Award for Nonfiction.