The first to make the first move was the New York Times, which was far away from the UK.
"According to a report in the New York Times on July 5, 2003, Sky TV, a subsidiary of Murdoch News Media, admitted on the 5th that its reporters had illegally stolen emails of people involved in two news reports. This is the first time that the British television industry has been involved.
Illegal theft scandal..."
Scandal has always been a bad thing.
The UK, where Sky TV is located, immediately followed up.
"The Guardian also revealed that Sky TV used illegal means to steal the emails of the client and his wife five years ago when they revealed that John Darwin faked his death to defraud a huge insurance payment."
The well-known "Canoe Man" in the UK disappeared and was suspected of death while rafting alone ten years ago. After the Sky TV program was broadcast, Darwin and his wife were arrested.
The Times was not to be left alone, and interviewed Darwin and his wife who were still in prison. There was no excuse for pleading guilty and committing suicide. However, when Darwin and his wife found out that eavesdropping had been used, they were very excited...
Sky TV’s public relations department has to be said to be excellent. They did not hide it, let alone resist it. They immediately admitted the accusations made by the Guardian, but believed that the illegal theft was for the public interest and was carried out with the help of the police.
Of course, Sky also admitted that its reporters used stolen emails in another round of reporting.
…
UK, Oxford University.
An old man was walking with a young man in his thirties. The old man adjusted his glasses and stopped, "James, are you talking about the media giant in China?"
The young man smiled and said, "Dad, the size of his company is too far behind ours, and he is not worthy of the reputation that the media enjoys."
"But, James, you have to see," Murdoch said with a very serious expression, "He has independently produced the list since 1998, when he was still an employee of Forbes. But just six years later, in China,
He can already compete with Forbes and Time Warner."
"But, Dad, this is in England," James said unconcernedly, "His influence is far from reaching here."
Murdoch sighed softly, and James immediately said, "I know that the Prime Minister attended his press conference, but what does this mean? It is just a business event. I also know that he visited some heavyweights in Europe,
But regardless of whether he accumulates wealth or influence, it will take time..."
Seeing that his father was still silent, James walked a few steps quickly to catch up with his father, "He did this obviously for Sky TV. Dad, I want to teach him a lesson. Teach him a lesson for this blind arrogance."
The guy who caused us trouble."
James was indeed annoyed that in July News Corp abandoned plans to buy the remaining 61% of Sky as details of the hacking scandal emerged.
He had been considered a candidate to take over the media empire owned by his father. The acquisition of all shares of Sky TV would have allowed him to control a highly profitable media company and comprehensively enhance his image in the company.
But now, all the efforts and ideas have been in vain. Just because of such an oriental face, oh, there is also an oriental face, which has always been by his father's side, James has no good impression of that woman.
"He's coming in force. He has connections in the UK." Murdoch glanced at his eldest son. "I think you shouldn't underestimate the enemy. It's also good that you can compete with this young man from the East in the UK." Murdoch
After a pause, he said, "If you win, then we can talk about the rest."
The next thing, of course, is the issue of his identity as his heir.
Looking at his father's old back, James excitedly waved his fist.
At this time, Heinwei, who was far away in the countryside, also paid attention to News Corporation and Sky TV, but did not take it seriously. It seemed normal for a media company like News Corporation to take some measures, although it was against common sense.
…
In the hotel, Peng Bo, Bao Bufan and Zhuo Wei were toasting to celebrate the success of the first round.
"This style of play wouldn't be possible without your participation, Lao Zhuo," Bao Bufan said with a smile, "Don't worry, the only thing in my dictionary is winning. I don't care what methods I use. Besides, their methods are not necessarily very glorious.
."
This war has just begun, and it is still unclear who will win. Murdoch's News Corporation is currently the largest shareholder of British Sky TV, holding 39.1% of its shares. However, after the eavesdropping scandal was exposed, the British Telecommunications Bureau quickly established a special investigation
group to assess whether News Corp-owned Sky should continue to hold a licence.
If BT determines that News Corp is not "suitable" to be Sky's largest shareholder, News Corp may be forced to reduce its stake in Sky.
This is the focus of this war.
"We added a lot of information." Zhuo Wei finished the call and handed a piece of paper to Peng Bo with a smile. Peng Bo took it and it said that the British branch of News Corporation, International News Company, illegally intercepted and eavesdropped on private phone messages, "
There may be as many as 4,000 victims of "Breakgate"...
"Where did this number come from?" Peng Bo asked.
"Reliable news." Zhuo Wei said.
Bao Bufan also looked "understood". Now it seems that this reliable news is probably made up by himself.
Bao Bufan turned on the TV, "I seem to have smelled the smell of success."
"What does success taste like?" Peng Bo asked.
"It's that mushy smell," Bao Bufan said with a smile, "the smell of cooked rice..."
However, he suddenly stopped talking, and Zhuo Wei and Peng Bo's eyes were also drawn to the TV, where Murdoch Jr. was making a statement.
"I think that as chairman of Sky I might be a lightning rod for Sky. So my resignation should stop people from mistakenly associating things in the past with Sky."
Resign?
The three people stood up in unison. If Murdoch's eldest son resigns, then victory is in sight, and Sky TV seems to be within easy reach.
"It can't be that simple." Bao Bufan looked at Peng Bo.
"Yes, of course it's not that simple. The tiger father has no dog son. This James is not so easy to admit defeat." Peng Bo said, "He is... retreating in order to advance, yes, retreating in order to advance. This is part of public relations.
"
Previously, some analysts said that James Murdoch's retention as chairman of the board of Sky Television was of great significance to the Murdoch family's media empire.
James Murdoch is in charge of News Corp's European operations, including its stake in Sky and News International, which publishes News of the World. He is also News Corp's deputy chief operating officer.
If he can stay in office, News Corporation's layout in the UK will continue, and the identity of his own successor will be clearer. On the contrary, News Corporation will be greatly impacted in the UK, and his identity as the successor to the news empire will also be seriously questioned.