Murdoch hangs on at BSkyB

James Murdoch has held on to the chairmanship of BSkyB despite increasing controversy over his handling of the News of The World phone hacking scandal.

Sky

Just over 80% of the shareholders vote went in his favour to remain at the helm of the broadcaster’s board.

His position had been under scrutiny since News Corp abandoned its bid to take over the remaining 61% of BSkyB as details of the phone hacking scandal at the tabloid emerged.

Nick Ferguson, BSkyB’s deputy chairman, says: “The Board recognises that there have been contrasting views among shareholders on the question of the chairmanship”, adding the “entire BSkyB Board is now determined to move forward to maintain BSkyB’s strong performance, grow its positive contribution to UK life, and create value for all shareholders.”

Murdoch was forced to deny for the second time he knew the extent of the illegal practice at the newspaper group earlier this month under questioning from MPs at the culture, media and sport select committee.

Mr Murdoch quit as director of News Group Newspapers, the direct owner of The Times, The Sunday Times and The Sun in September, but remains chairman of UK newspaper group News International which was forced to close the NOTW and sack several senior executives over phone hacking revelations.

An attempt to eject Murdoch from the News Corp board failed last month when a minority – 35% of shareholders – voted to block his re-election as deputy chief operating officer at its annual meeting.

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