View all newsletters
Sign up for our free email newsletters

Fighting for quality news media in the digital age.

  1. News
April 18, 2008updated 19 Apr 2008 11:57pm

Murdoch scraps News Corp anti-takeover rule

By paulmcnally

News Corp has agreed to scrap its “poison pill” anti-takeover rule, which was put in place by Rupert Murdoch four years ago to help him keep control of his media empire.

If shareholders approve the amendment, it will mean all the directors on the News Corp board will be put up for re-election each year.

The rule was put in place by Murdoch in 2004 to thwart a feared threat from one of News Corp’s largest investors, Liberty Media chairman John Malone.

Since then, News Corp has entered into an asset swap deal with Liberty, which saw Murdoch offload his controlling stake in DirectTV in exchange for Liberty’s stake in News Corp. The deal completed earlier this year.

Content from our partners
Free journalism awards for journalists under 30: Deadline today
MHP Group's 30 To Watch awards for young journalists open for entries
How PA Media is helping newspapers make the digital transition

Email pged@pressgazette.co.uk to point out mistakes, provide story tips or send in a letter for publication on our "Letters Page" blog

Select and enter your email address Weekly insight into the big strategic issues affecting the future of the news industry. Essential reading for media leaders every Thursday. Your morning brew of news about the world of news from Press Gazette and elsewhere in the media. Sent at around 10am UK time. Our weekly does of strategic insight about the future of news media aimed at US readers. A fortnightly update from the front-line of news and advertising. Aimed at marketers and those involved in the advertising industry.
  • Business owner/co-owner
  • CEO
  • COO
  • CFO
  • CTO
  • Chairperson
  • Non-Exec Director
  • Other C-Suite
  • Managing Director
  • President/Partner
  • Senior Executive/SVP or Corporate VP or equivalent
  • Director or equivalent
  • Group or Senior Manager
  • Head of Department/Function
  • Manager
  • Non-manager
  • Retired
  • Other
Visit our privacy Policy for more information about our services, how Progressive Media Investments may use, process and share your personal data, including information on your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications.
Thank you

Thanks for subscribing.

Websites in our network