Rift Opens Up Between Murdochs

Rupert and James Murdoch have not been as happy with each other as they’ve appeared in public: “You’re coming back to New York, or you’re out,” Rupert told James last winter, according to The New York Times. (At the time, James was running the company’s London operations.) The Times says the two men have barely been on speaking terms, and it suggests that Murdoch might not have a family heir to whom he can hand over News Corp. On Friday, News Corp. shareholders will decide whether to reelect the company’s board, which includes Rupert, James, and Rupert’s other son, Lachlan. Some powerful shareholders are saying they withhold their votes for James and Lachlan, and several other News Corp. insiders.