News Corp. Investors Reject Proposal to Scrap Dual Class Share Structure

News Corp. Investors Reject Proposal to Scrap Dual Class Share Structure

As a seasoned observer of the media landscape, I can’t help but feel a sense of intrigue and anticipation regarding the recent developments at News Corp. The drama surrounding the Murdoch family dynasty has always been a captivating spectacle, much like a well-written soap opera that keeps us on the edge of our seats.


On Wednesday, a significant investor’s proposal aimed at eliminating News Corp.’s two-class share system was rejected.

After the 2024 Annual Shareholders Meeting, News Corp. announced that a non-binding proposal to implement a recapitalization plan, which aimed to eliminate the dual-class share structure, had been “overwhelmingly” rejected. The exact voting results are currently unavailable from News Corp., but they will be disclosed in an SEC 8-K filing, which will later become public.

The failure of the proposal offers respite against a significant obstacle in Rupert Murdoch’s handover of control at News Corp to his son, Lachlan Murdoch. In September, Starboard Value hedge fund advocated for the company to abolish its dual-class share system and hinted at an emerging dispute within the Murdoch family.

Previously, the elderly founder of Fox Corp. and News Corp., Rupert Murdoch (age 93), relinquished his position as chairman and was given an emeritus title instead. However, this shift sparked a legal dispute regarding the management structure and main decision-maker within Rupert Murdoch’s business empire. This conflict pits Lachlan against other Murdoch siblings James, Elisabeth, and Prudence in a power struggle that could lead to a prolonged legal confrontation.

In a statement released yesterday, the company expressed that their prosperity, in part, stems from their current financial setup. They’re also content with the outcomes from this year’s shareholders meeting. The board and management are committed to achieving consistent success, furthering the company’s evolution, and proactively influencing the future of news and information during the age of artificial intelligence.

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2024-11-20 22:28