News International Intrigue

The lead article in today’s New York Times, “Tabloid Scandal Topples Leader at Scotland Yard,” describes the arrest of the latest victims of the widening investigation, Rebekah Brooks, a former chief executive of News International, and the resignation of the head of Scotland Yard, Sir Paul Stephenson. The wrongdoing covers two separate areas, the illegal hacking of cell phones of prominent individuals, and the use of payments to police officials.

A former press spokesperson for the Conservative Prime Minister of Great Britain has also been arrested, and the head of the Wall Street Journal, Les Hinton, has resigned.

The entire affair represents a stiff come-uppance for Rupert Murdoch’s media empire which also includes Fox News in the United States. Many in this country are also beginning to clamor for an investigation of Mr. Murdoch’s activities, especially laws against corruption in foreign nations.

Parliament is scheduling its own investigation of Rupert Murdoch’s activities, and the media mogul as well as his son, James Murdoch, are scheduled to testify. Rebekah Brooks had been scheduled, too, prior to her arrest.

It is important to note, however, that under British law, you can be named a suspect and arrested on a provisional basis since the law does not require you to be charged for 24 to 36 hours. Ms. Brooks may fall into that gray area.