申論題

Rupert Murdoch expressed regret Thursday for his failure to halt what he called “a cover-up” at his News of the World tabloid over the phone-hacking scandal that continues to engulf his media empire. 

Testifying for a second day at an inquiry into press ethics, the chairman and chief executive officer of News Corp. said that the extent of hacking had been hidden from him and his senior executives, adding that they were “all misinformed and shielded.” 

There was, Murdoch said, no doubt in his mind “that maybe even the editor, but certainly beyond that, someone, took charge of a cover-up which we were victim to and I regret.” 

At times combative, at times contrite, Murdoch has said he welcomed his two-day appearance before the Leveson Inquiry, the longest by any witness, for the chance to put “certain myths to bed.” 

During his testimony Wednesday, he admitted to hobnobbing with various prime ministers during his 40 years at the center of British life, but denied ever seeking or receiving government favors.