Family ownership hindered News Corps’ ability to choose its own destiny, as a company

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So James Murdoch is to be retained as head of BSkyB. If you missed Simon Jenkins on the matter on Newsnight last night, try Alison Smith in the FT this morning

As for BSkyB, the case for refreshing the board is compelling and goes well beyond the position of James Murdoch, newly bolstered as chairman. It has been for a long time. The enduring thought that Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp would buy the outstanding 60.9 per cent stake undoubtedly hindered the group’s ability to behave like a company without this destiny before it. The removal of that prospect in the immediate future should make it easier for the broadcaster to join the corporate mainstream.

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