Murdoch Shrugged

In his Dominion v. Fox News testimony, Rupert Murdoch said hosts like Lou Dobbs were “endorsing” Trump’s election lies.
In his Dominion v. Fox News testimony, Rupert Murdoch said hosts like Lou Dobbs were “endorsing” Trump’s election lies. Photo: Hollywood To You/Star Max/GC Images

Amid this week’s revelations in the $1.6 billion Dominion Voting Systems v. Fox defamation lawsuit, I connected with my partner Eriq Gardner to discuss the legal dimensions of this year’s most consequential media-political case. Herewith, our conversation about the probability of a settlement, the Murdoch legacy question, and more.


Dylan: Eriq, like you I’ve been absolutely riveted by the Fox Corp.-Dominion case, and for myriad reasons: the Murdoch-Trump drama, the damning revelations about Fox News—which are now unassailable in light of Rupert’s testimony—as well as what this all portends for the most powerful conservative media outlet in the country. 

Many of these issues will play out in the court of public opinion, irrespective of what happens in Delaware. But before we get to that, there are the pressing legal questions: Is Fox actually liable for defamation against Dominion? And, if so, what damages are Dominion entitled to? You’ve written quite insightfully about the nuances here. I wonder if Rupert’s testimony has changed or advanced your thinking on any of that?