James Murdoch, son of News Corporation boss Rupert Murdoch testified before a British panel to answer questions on his knowledge of phone hacking practices at the now defunct British tabloid, News of the World, which is at the center of the phone hacking scandal.
He answered questions about his management practices at News International and described his meetings and conversations with politicians as “legitimate advocacy”. Later, the former News International executive discussed at length the circumstances surrounding News Corporation’s bid on British Sky Broadcasting and lessons learned from the phone hacking scandal.
In February, James Murdoch stepped down as Chief Executive of News of the World – the British tabloid at the center of the phone hacking investigation.
Last November, James Murdoch testified for a second time before a British parliamentary committee over the phone hacking investigation -- insisting that he wasn’t told and had no prior knowledge of widespread phone hacking at News of the World.
He first testified in July 2011, making the same claim – however, since that time, new evidence has been made public contradicting his original statement. Rupert Murdoch also testified during the July hearing.
British Prime Minister David Cameron appointed Lord Justice Leveson to oversee a committee examining the relationship between the press and celebrities, politicians and the police. 250 witnesses have testified before the inquiry, including Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling, actor Hugh Grant, and the parents of murdered school girl, Milly Dowler.