Rupert Murdoch and his children are in an epic closed-door court battle for the future of his empire. NPR's David Folkenflik explains why it matters.

The battle over the global media empire has far-reaching implications, as it encompasses the Wall Street Journal and the New York Post, as well as numerous print and media outlets in Australia and the UK.

The succession battle playing out in a Nevada courtroom this month between Rupert Murdoch’s four oldest children could ultimately decide who controls Fox News and the Wall Street Journal, two of the most influential US news outlets.

Rupert Murdoch, owner of Fox news and the Wall Street Journal, is fighting to change his trust and give son Lachlan full control of media empire.

Rupert, 93, is aiming to cut three of his children out of the family trust, which would allow his most conservative son to call the shots without interference

Thanks to billionaire Rupert Murdoch’s outsize personality, his vast sway within the news industry and his role as a kingmaker in conservative politics, there’s long been heightened interest in his megadeals,