Business News

News Corporation Names Tom Mockridge Chief Executive, European Television

Monday 12. May 2008 - News Corporation announced today that Tom Mockridge, Chief Executive of Sky Italia, has been appointed to the additional role of Chief Executive, European Television.

In this new role, Mr. Mockridge will directly oversee the company’s television operations in Europe, outside the UK.

These include Sky Italia, a minority investment in German pay TV operator Premiere and a range of holdings in broadcasters in such territories as Bulgaria, Poland and Turkey. The announcement does not affect British Sky Broadcasting, in which News Corp holds a 39% shareholding. Mr. Mockridge will continue to serve as Chief Executive of Sky Italia and will continue to report to James Murdoch, Chairman and Chief Executive, News Corporation Europe and Asia.
Marty Pompadur, Executive Vice President of News Corp and Chairman of News Corp Europe, who has played a leading role in developing the company’s activities in Central and Eastern Europe and Russia, has chosen to focus on overseeing the company’s radio ventures in Russia and its outdoor advertising business. He will also serve as an advisor to the company.

Mr. Murdoch said:

‘Tom has led Sky Italia to become one of the world’s most successful pay-TV businesses, now with more than 4.5 million customers. Tom will extend his successful stewardship of Sky Italia to develop our European broadcast operations across the territory.

Marty has played a vital role in building our broadcast and outdoor advertising network. He is a true pioneer and I am delighted to continue to call on him as we develop the business.’