The New Battleground

Friday, December 27, 2024

What Murdoch’s Succession Teaches Us About Adapting to Change

Imagine building a $17 billion empire only to hand it over at a time of unprecedented upheaval. That’s where Rupert Murdoch stands today.


After decades of shaping global media—starting with a small Australian newspaper and evolving into a global powerhouse—Murdoch steps back as the world undergoes a seismic shift in how information, influence, and art are consumed.


It’s a battle that goes beyond the Murdoch family drama. It’s about adapting to a new world where the rules are being rewritten. A world that parallels the chaos sparked by the printing press centuries ago.


The Printing Press: A Lesson from History

Back in the 15th century, the printing press turned the intellectual world on its head. The elites—academics, priests, and patrons—held a monopoly on knowledge. They decided who could publish, teach, and create. The result? High standards but limited access.


Then, boom. The printing press democratized information. Suddenly, anyone could print a book, regardless of their intellectual pedigree. Quality dropped, but access soared. It wasn’t just a technological shift; it was a cultural revolution.

Fast forward to today.


Social media and AI are doing to art and business what the printing press did to the written word. The gatekeepers are losing control, and the battlefield is open to all.


Murdoch’s Empire: Built on Adaptation

Murdoch thrived because he adapted. He didn’t just ride the waves of change; he steered them. He used the power of print to expand his reach, then pivoted to dominate television, cable, and eventually digital media.


He built Fox News into a cultural juggernaut, shaping elections and public opinion. But his success came with controversy: lawsuits, polarization, and an empire that now teeters on the brink of a generational power shift.


Lachlan, the conservative loyalist, and James, the progressive reformer, represent not just family divisions but ideological battles that mirror the changes shaking the business world. Their sisters, Elisabeth and Prudence, quietly strategize from the sidelines, understanding that the next leader will have to navigate a world Murdoch never imagined.


The New Challenge: A Fight for Relevance

What Murdoch faced with cable, today’s business leaders face with AI and social media. The rise of algorithms, influencers, and instant content has disrupted traditional models. It’s no longer enough to be skilled or innovative. Now, charisma, marketing savvy, and speed matter just as much—if not more.


Artists, like businesses, are struggling to keep up. Traditional art forms are being overshadowed by viral TikTok videos and AI-generated works. In this new arena, a single smartphone can outperform years of training and craftsmanship.


Adapt or Perish: Lessons from the Art World

Consider the parallels. Before the printing press, art was sacred. People traveled weeks to see a single painting in a grand cathedral. Then came posters, pamphlets, and cheap reproductions. The magic faded, but art found a new purpose: accessibility.


Today, artists like Jeff Koons and Damien Hirst are redefining success. They’re not just creating original works; they’re building brands. Documentaries, merchandise, collaborations—these are the tools of modern artistry. It’s not about clinging to old definitions; it’s about evolving with the times.


What This Means for Family Businesses

Here’s the takeaway: The world Murdoch’s heirs inherit is vastly different from the one he mastered. Success in this new era won’t come from doubling down on old strategies. It will come from adapting to the unpredictable, embracing the tools of change, and redefining what it means to lead.


AI, social media, and the internet are not enemies. They’re opportunities. But only if you’re willing to let go of outdated paradigms.


Murdoch’s empire was built on risk and reinvention. The question is, will his successors—and you—do the same?


The Final Word

Whether you’re an artist, a business owner, or a media mogul, the lesson is clear: history favors the adaptable. The printing press, the rise of television, the internet—all were moments of chaos that created new leaders.


The 21st century is no different. It’s not about holding onto what worked yesterday. It’s about embracing what’s possible today.

Because in a world where change is the only constant, survival isn’t about playing it safe. It’s about playing it smart.

© 2025 Stephen Bray. Patterns in life and business — told simply.