In a high-stakes case that could determine the future leadership of Rupert Murdoch's media empire, a probate court in Nevada has begun reviewing evidence behind closed doors. The 93-year-old media mogul arrived at the court on Monday for the hearing, which will delve into the dispute over who will control his vast cadre of newspapers and television networks after his passing.

Last year, Murdoch sought to change the terms of his irrevocable family trust, aiming to ensure that his eldest son, Lachlan, would remain in charge of his media holdings, including renowned entities such as The Wall Street Journal and Fox News Channel. The details of the sealed court document, as reported by The New York Times, revealed Murdoch's efforts to secure Lachlan's continued control over the conservative editorial outlook of the media outlets.

Despite requests for access by news organizations, including The Associated Press, the court has opted to keep the hearings closed to the public and most documents sealed. Evidentiary hearings are scheduled to run through Tuesday of next week, further shrouding the proceedings in secrecy.

Originally, the trust was designed to grant equal control over the business to Murdoch's four oldest children after his passing. However, the media mogul argues that changing the trust is necessary to safeguard the commercial value of his enterprises for all his heirs.

Lachlan Murdoch, who succeeded his father as the chairman of News Corp. in November, also holds the position of executive officer at Fox Corp. In this capacity, he oversees the conservative news network Fox News, the Fox broadcast and sports networks, and numerous local TV stations. The vast media empire, spanning continents, has played a significant role in shaping modern American politics.

In a sharp divide, Rupert Murdoch's attempt to alter the trust has drawn strong opposition from his other three children, James, Elisabeth, and Prudence. The Times report suggests that the siblings have united to prevent their father from revising the trust, setting the stage for a contentious legal battle over the future direction of the media conglomerate.

As the probate court reviews the evidence in secrecy, the implications of the final decision will undoubtedly reverberate throughout the media landscape and potentially reshape the conservative editorial voice that Murdoch's empire has long championed.