CNN+, NYT partner for original series on Murdoch dynasty

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CNN+ will tackle the story of the Murdochs, the family that founded and runs a rival conservative cable network.

“The Murdochs: Empire of Influence,” a new CNN Original Series, produced with The New York Times and Left/Right.

This definitive telling of the world’s most powerful media family and their complicated history will debut exclusively on CNN+ at launch later this year.

Based on Jonathan Mahler and Jim Rutenberg’s New York Times Magazine article “How Rupert Murdoch’s Empire of Influence Remade the World,” this series explores the legacy of media mogul Rupert Murdoch and the dynasty he built, which has included a right leaning cable network in the U.S., the former 21st Century Fox properties Disney acquired and News Corp. as well as significant interests overseas.

Featuring exclusive reporting from The New York Times, interviews with people who worked inside the Murdoch companies, and decades of rich archival footage, this six-part series goes behind the scenes of the improbable rise of a media tycoon, his outsized influence around the globe and the intense succession battle between his children over who will inherit his throne.

“Jonathan Mahler and Jim Rutenberg’s reporting on Murdoch’s empire was revelatory and hard-hitting. We’re thrilled to expand on their work and to bring their findings to a new audience,” said Sam Dolnick, assistant managing editor, The New York Times in a statement issued by CNN. “The mission of The New York Times is to help people understand the world. By producing this series with CNN and Left/Right, we’re pleased to bring quality, original journalism to new audiences.”

“Nothing captivates quite like family drama when an empire is at stake,” said Amy Entelis, EVP for talent and content development, CNN Worldwide. “Through powerful storytelling and impeccable journalism, this series gives CNN+ subscribers a glimpse into the dynamics of one of the richest and most powerful families in the world and how they have wielded their influence.”

Executive producers for “The Murdochs” are Ken Druckerman, Banks Tarver, and Erica Sashin for Left/Right; Sam Dolnick and Kathleen Lingo for The New York Times; and Amy Entelis and Lyle Gamm for CNN Original Series.

Mahler and Rutenberg serve as consulting producers for the series.