MURDOCH ARRIVES AT TABLOID OFFICES, STILL KEEPING MUM

MURDOCH ARRIVES AT TABLOID OFFICES, STILL KEEPING MUM

With a copy of the last edition of Britain's News of the World tabloid in hand, Mr Rupert Murdoch arrived at the offices of his UK newspaper division yesterday to face the growing phone-Hacking scandal that prompted the newspaper's closure. TV footage showed the News Corp CEO being driven into the East London offices of News International. Mr Murdoch, 80, who has long been considered a kingmaker in the British media, is facing a maelstrom of criticism and outrage not just over the new alle-gations of impropriety at his tabloid but also the decision to shut down the paper and put 200 journalists out of work. News of the World's closure is seen by some as desperate attempt by the media conglomerate to stem the fallout and thus save its $12 billion ( S$23.5 billion) deal to take over British Sky Broadcasting (BSkyB). Labour leader Mr Ed Miliband told the BBC yesterday he plans to force a vote in Parliment to delay the takeover until investigations into the hacking scandal is completed. He also urged Mr Murdoch to sack News International chief Rebekah Brooks, who was editor of the tabloid when some of the hacking allegedly occurred. Mr Murdoch has opted to remain largely silent amid the fallout, issuing one official statement describing the allegations as ''deplorable and unacceptable''. On Saturday, He said Ms Brooks had his ''total'' Support.