Murdoch brothers move up

James and Lachlan Murdoch have been elevated in their father Rupert Murdoch’s media empire, becoming non-exec co-chairman and co-chief operating officer (COO) respectively at 21st Century Fox.

Lachlan has retired as chairman of Network Ten in Australia to take up the role, while his brother James will now partner with 21st Century Fox president and COO Chase Carey, having previously served as deputy COO.

In June last year, media mogul Rupert Murdoch split News Corp into two companies, with News Corp retaining the newspaper and other media assets and 21st Century Fox holding the movie, TV and other entertainment properties.

These include Fox Broadcasting, 20th Century Fox Film and Television, Fox Sports, Fox International Channels, Fox News Channel, Fox Business Network, FX, the National Geographic Channels, Shine Group, Fox Television Stations, BSkyB, Sky Italia and Sky Deutschland.

Rupert Murdoch said: “James has done an outstanding job driving our global television businesses and our shareholders, customers and colleagues will benefit greatly from his many talents.”

“James has been a great partner and in many ways this appointment formalises the role he’s been playing for some time, and acknowledges the contribution he has made in driving our businesses to new heights,” Carey added.

Elsewhere, Fox Networks Group CEO Peter Rice has had his contract extended, although details were not disclosed.

Meanwhile, in Australia, Hamish McLennan has been elected as executive chairman at Network Ten Holdings following Lachlan Murdoch’s decision to retire as chairman and a director.