Rebekah Brooks has resigned as CEO of News International. Her announcement was shortly followed by the resignation of Les Hinton, Chief Executive Officer of Dow Jones & Company and Publisher of The Wall Street Journal.
Mr Hinton was head of News International at the time when phone hacking was alleged to have taken place. His undertakings to the UK Parliament that the scandal was a limited affair, later proved to be untrue.
Mr Hinton made a statement through News Corp as part of the announcement:
“I have watched with sorrow from New York as the News of the World story has unfolded. I have seen hundreds of news reports of both actual and alleged misconduct during the time I was executive chairman of News International and responsible for the company. The pain caused to innocent people is unimaginable. That I was ignorant of what apparently happened is irrelevant and in the circumstances I feel it is proper for me to resign from News Corp. and apologize to those hurt by the actions of News of the World.”
“When I left News International in December 2007, I believed that the rotten element at the News of the World had been eliminated; that important lessons had been learned; and that journalistic integrity was restored. My testimonies before the Culture Media and Sport Select Committee were given honestly. When I appeared before the Committee in March 2007, I expressed the belief that Clive Goodman had acted alone, but made clear our investigation was continuing. In September 2009, I told the Committee there had never been any evidence delivered to me that suggested the conduct had spread beyond one journalist. If others had evidence that wrongdoing went further, I was not told about it.”
“Finally, I want to express my gratitude to Rupert for a wonderful working life. My admiration and respect for him are unbounded. He has built a magnificent business since I first joined 52 years ago and it has been an honor making my contribution.”
Rebekah Brooks’ position became untenable when the British Prime Minister all but called for her resignation. She had reportedly already offered her resignation to Rupert Murdoch twice before the decision was made to allow her to step down. Tom Mockridge will be her replacement. Mr Mockridge has been CEO of Sky Italia since 2003. He has also served as Chief Executive European Television of News Corporation, overseeing News Corporation’s television operations in Europe, outside of the UK.
Rupert Murdoch, Chair and CEO of News Corporation, James Murdoch, Chairman and Chief Executive of News Corporation (International), and Rebekah Brooks, former Chief Executive of News International, will appear before the Culture, Media & Sport Select Committee at the UK Parliament on Tuesday 19th July at 14:30 BST.