Son rises at News Corp.

December 08, 2007 James Murdoch has been appointed chairman and CEO of News Corp.'s European and Asian operations, reporting to president and COO Peter Chernin, it was announced Friday as part of a wide-ranging reorganization of News Corp.'s management following its deal to acquire Wall Street Journal publisher Dow Jones. The move, which puts the 34-year-old executive in pole position to replace his father, Rupert Murdoch, when the 76-year-old News Corp. chairman and CEO eventually steps down, will see James stepping down as CEO of British Sky Broadcasting after four years in the post, but remaining as chairman. In the newly created role, James Murdoch will take responsibility for the strategic and operational development of News Corp.'s television, newspaper and related digital assets in Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

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