James Murdoch gets top Italia job

[SAT-WORLD]

The appointment is another sign that as far as Europe and Asia is concerned Rupert Murdoch is content to let his son James assume the top jobs. The larger question is whether this puts James into the hotly contested “heir apparent” position at News Corp’s head office.

James Murdoch is replacing Rupert Murdoch as president/chairman of Sky Italia. It was just six months ago (Dec 10) that James took on similar responsibility for News Corp’s other main European and Asian positions. Sky Italia has 4.5m paying subscribers and moved into profitability back in 2006.

The appointment means that Rupert (aged 77) can relax about attending the AGMs of News Corp’s assorted European investments (in particular BSkyB, Sky Italia, Star TV and News Corp Europe’s newspaper holdings).

There have been many other names suggested over the years, notably Peter Chernin (president/CEO at News Corp and chairman/CEO of the Fox Group), and in Murdoch-land one should never say never to any name in the frame, but blood is thicker than water – as is capability. Of course, it is always possible that a right-field appointment might be made as the formal successor to Rupert Murdoch. Any bids for Wen-di Deng?

[BGonaSTICK]

What about his daughter Elisabeth?

[merlodlliw]

One press & media baron did the correct thing after robbing his employees and colleagues,that was Maxwell.

This Murdoch crowd just rob those unwise enough to subscribe to sky, there is also a rumour the sun will be printed on buff paper soon ,after the buff envelopes caught on with those in high places.

Thats how I feel about that family and his cronies.


Bob