James Murdoch Quits Times, Sun Boards

Move prompts questions over papers' future
By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff
Posted Nov 23, 2011 10:14 AM CST
James Murdoch Quits Boards of News Corp Papers Times, Sun
James Murdoch leaves parliament after giving evidence to the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee on the News of the World phone-hacking scandal in London, Tuesday, July 19, 2011.   (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

James Murdoch has unexpectedly quit as a director at both the Times and Sun newspapers amid continued phone-hacking fallout. News International CEO Tom Mockridge is taking over Murdoch’s positions, leaving no Murdochs on the British papers’ boards; that prompts London’s Evening Standard to question News Corp’s plans for the flagship papers. Murdoch will, however, stay on as chairman of News International, a rep notes.

“Because it is inescapable that there will be some kind of censure" from Parliament, "it is inevitable that people will say maybe you've got too much on your plate. It makes sense to step back from some of the roles,” says an analyst. Meanwhile, more hot water for Rupert Murdoch: A former Australian senator says News Corp bribed him to vote against legislation, offering positive coverage and a “special relationship,” the Guardian reports. Police are investigating. (More James Murdoch stories.)

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