During his second day of testimony before a phone hacking panel, News Corporation Chairman & CEO Rupert Murdoch said the phone hacking scandal at News of the Word was a “serious blot on his reputation.”
He answered questions on the details into the phone hacking scandal at the now-defunct tabloid paper and added that he had “failed.” Later, Mr. Murdoch spoke about the future of the newspaper industry and the standards necessary for creating an ethical climate in newsrooms.
On Tuesday, his son, James Murdoch appeared before the same panel to answer questions on his knowledge of phone hacking practices at the now defunct British tabloid, News of the World and his dealings over the British Sky Broadcasting bid.
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.
He was asked about his relationship with Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt and Adam Smith – Mr. Hunt’s special adviser. Today, in the British House of Commons, Mr. Hunt defended his actions and relationship with Mr. Murdoch, amid allegations of wrongdoing and unethical advice.
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.