News Corp Chairman Rupert Murdoch Faces Ethics Inquiry

Rupert Murdoch, the News Corp. chairman, is facing a media ethics inquiry in the United Kingdom. The media mogul has denied allegations that he asks for political favors from the government. 

The Leveson inquiry probes on whether Murdoch has any influence on politicians. For years, the News Corp. chairman has been criticized for wielding too much influence on UK’s political parties. 

Murdoch said that he has never asked any prime minister for anything. He added that is proud of the fact that his newspapers never pushed for their own political agenda. The inquiry was held at the Royal Courts of Justice. 

When Counsel Robert Jay QC asked is Murdoch’s mere presence was enough to sway politicians, the 81-year-old mogul said he has tried very hard to conduct himself in an ethical manner and he makes it clear that he expects to be treated ethically, as well. 

Murdoch, however, admitted that it is politicians and other third-party groups who initiate meetings with him. He said it’s natural for politicians to contact news editors and media owners because it is the nature of the job. He added that he is just one of the many owners of media companies. 

Adam Smith, an aide to Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt, stepped down following the controversy that Smith held private and regular meetings to News Corp on the proposed plans for the BSkyB takeover. 

Hunt was tasked to take care of the bids before Murdoch changed plans. Just a few months ago, News of the World shut down operations after the expose of its phone-hacking activities. 

The media mogul also denied talks that he is mad at Prime Minister David Cameron, who requested for the inquiry.

Tagged Adam Smith, David Cameron, Jeremy Hunt, News Corp, Robert Jay, Rupert Murdoch