“Murdoch is the most ruthless businessman in the world’s history,” says former Trump associate Roger Stone, opening CNN’s trailer for upcoming docuseries The Murdochs: Empire of Influence.

The series examines how Rupert Murdoch, 91, built his global media empire, the power it now wields – especially via conservative cable news network Fox News – and the succession battle taking place behind the scenes between his three adult children: Elisabeth, 54, who founded Shine Group; Lachlan, 51, co-chairman of News Corp. and chairman and CEO of Fox Corp; and James, 49, former CEO of 21st Century Fox before it was split up and sold to Disney in 2019.

“He is building this dynasty to hand to his children,” says Cynthia Littleton, business editor, Variety.

Other interviewees chime in:

“He’s set it up as a trial by combat.”

“There’s no such thing as a sure bet in the succession battle.”

“It’s this kill-or-be-killed mentality.”

“Whoever succeeds him wields this absolutely gargantuan influence.”

Working with New York City-based creative agency Loyalkaspar, CNN produced a set of three trailers using clips of interviews collected for the series and third-party footage and photography. The above spot is set to musical track “Fallout” by Neoni x Unsecret.

Who is Rupert?

Murdoch is a household name, but few people understand just how deep his influence and power go. Working with Loyalkaspar, CNN’s goal in the below spot is to show the extent of the control Murdoch has over the media landscape, politics and even his children.

Succession

Jesse Armstrong, maestro of HBO’s Emmy-winning drama Succession, clearly had the Murdochs in mind when penning his snarky show about the uber-wealthy and entitled Roy family. The below spot, “Succession,” introduces the real-life players seeking to inherit Murdoch’s throne.

CNN’s The Murdochs: Empire of Influence opens in a two-episode premiere on Sunday, September 25 at 9 and 10 p.m. ET/PT.

CREDITS

Client: CNN Worldwide

Senior Vice President: Rick Lewchuk

Vice President & Group Creative Director: Whit Friese

Sr. Creative Director: Edward Reid

Sr. Marketing Director: Stephen Krill

Sr. Writer/Producer: Ryan Mellick

Design Director: Jobel Jose

Marketing Director: Leah Hall

Creative Director: Jeffery Mielcarz

Marketing Assistant: Anila Alam

Senior Director of Production: Matt Barnett

Production Director: Nichole Goralnik

Production Coordinator: Vinnie Lombardo

Sr. Production Resource Manager: Denise Patierno

Sr. Post-Production Manager: Greg Enfield

Agency: Loyalkaspar

Tags: cnn worldwide hot spots loyalkaspar


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