Rupert and James Murdoch to be grilled by MPs over phone hacking
Rupert Murdoch and his son James have agreed to give evidence to a committee of MPs next week about the phone hacking scandal at News International.
The News Corporation chiefs will appear alongisde News International chief executive and former News of the World editor Rebekah Brooks.
Earlier today, both Murdoch senior and junior were summonsed to appear before the Commons Culture, Media and Sport Committee on Tuesday next week, after they declined an invitation, saying they were unable to appear on that date.
As US citizens the Murdochs were not obligated to appear alongside Brooks at the committee. Brooks was compelled to attend due to her British citizenship.
The trio will be quizzed by MPs on their knowledge of the alleged illegal journalistic practices that took place at the News of the World and payments to police in order to obtain information for articles.
A News Corporation spokesman says: “We are in the process of writing to the select committee confirming that Mr James Murdoch and Mr Rupert Murdoch will attend next Tuesday’s meeting.”
News of the trio’s appearance comes as it emerges that the under fire media company has hired PR agency Edelman to provide public affairs and communications support. The agency will work with the News International team, the management and standards group, leading its internal investigation into phone hacking.
An Edelman statement says that is has been “retained” to “provide communications and public affairs support and counsel”.
