Murdochs Face More Questions At AGM

News Corporation is to hold its first annual meeting since the phone-hacking scandal mired the firm in controversy.

The Murdochs – including Rupert and his two sons – will be facing tough questions from shareholders, some of whom have called for both to step aside, following their 'humble' performances in front of the Home Affairs Select Committee in July.

Labour MP Tom Watson, who played a key part of during the phone hacking investigation that raised questions over the endemic practice as well as exposing a culture of police bribery, has been given a seat at the Los Angeles meeting by investors.

Mr Watson said he is to level fresh allegations against the pair about further examples of malpractice by News Corp journalists.

It is believed Mr Watson possesses fresh information about the use of surveillance by journalists working for the media group's newspapers.

News Corporation is preparing for independent shareholders to vote against the reappointment of Rupert and his sons, James and Lachlan during the meeting.

However, currently only 20% of independent shareholders are expected vote for their removal during the meeting at Fox studios. Rupert Murdoch currently controls 40% of the voting shares, but it is as yet unclear what effect Tom Watson's fresh revelations will have.

The scandal originally forced News Corp to close the News of the World newspaper and abandon an attempt to buy 61% of BSkyB, in order to acquire full ownership.

(DW)