Murdoch leaves News International to focus on TV

James Murdoch has stepped down as executive chairman of News Corp’s British publishing arm News International.

This comes amid further developments in the UK phone hacking scandal and the ongoing Leveson Inquiry into the UK newspaper industry.

James Murdoch will, however, remain at News Corp and will focus on expanding the company’s international pay TV businesses. This follows his relocation to the company’s headquarters in New York. He will remain deputy chief operating officer, News Corp.

“[James] has demonstrated leadership and continues to create great value at Star TV, Sky Deutschland, Sky Italia, and BSkyB.  Now that he has moved to New York, James will continue to assume a variety of essential corporate leadership mandates, with particular focus on important pay TV businesses and broader international operations,” said Rupert Murdoch, chairman and chief executive officer, News Corp.

Tom Mockridge, chief executive of News International will report to News Corp president and COO Chase Carey.

“As deputy chief operating officer, I look forward to expanding my commitment to News Corporation’s international television businesses and other key initiatives across the company,” said James Murdoch.