Murdoch's rarefied heir

December 12, 2007 A quieter and more nurturing style might be James Murdoch's secret weapon as he steps up to the role of chairman and CEO of News Corp.'s European and Asian operations -- and heir apparent to father Rupert Murdoch's vast media kingdom. When James Murdoch was picked as CEO of News Corp.-controlled U.K. satellite TV giant British Sky Broadcasting in late 2003 at age 30, most in the industry shrugged him off as an immature lightweight despite successes at Asian satellite TV arm Star TV. [...] when the young -- he'll turn 35 Wednesday -- son of News Corp. chairman and CEO Rupert Murdoch last week was elevated to his new role, most observers said he has matured and shown his father's passion for the business, decisiveness and competitive instincts -- though with his own twist.

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