James Murdoch to step down as BSkyB chairman
James Murdoch is to step down as BSkyB chairman today.
He came under pressure last year when News Corporation wanted to take full control of BSkyB, something which was shelved following the revelations of phone-hacking at News of the World. Murdoch kept his job overseeing News International despite calls for him to resign.
James stood down in February as Chairman at News International, the company behind The Times and The Sun, as part of a move within parent company News Corporation.
“I have been privileged to serve first as Chief Executive and then as Chairman of this outstanding company and I am proud of what we have achieved over this period.
As attention continues to be paid to past events at News International, I am determined that the interests of BSkyB should not be undermined by matters outside the scope of this Company.
I am aware that my role as Chairman could become a lightning rod for BSkyB and I believe that my resignation will help to ensure that there is no false conflation with events at a separate organisation.” – James Murdoch resignation statement
He and his father, Rupert, are due to give evidence at the Leveson Inquiry into media ethics this month. Mr Murdoch is succeeded as Chairman of BSkyB by Nicholas Ferguson