‘It avoids a public grilling’: why Murdoch could settle Dominion’s Fox News lawsuit

Defamation trial threatens billionaire's reputation - as well as ambition to reunite TV and newspaper empires

Rupert Murdoch's push to try to bury a landmark defamation case against Fox News aims to avoid further damage to his media empire's reputation - and protect the 92-year-old from a gruelling court appearance as he formulates succession plans.

Judge Eric M Davis moved on Sunday to delay the start of the $1.6bn (1.3bn) defamation trial between Fox Corporation and Dominion, which has alleged Fox News repeatedly broadcast false claims that its voting machines were rigged, amid reports of a settlement.