Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

James Murdoch makes apology for Hillsborough

 

Andrew Woodcock
Thursday 10 November 2011 17:44 GMT
Comments
(GETTY)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

News International's executive chairman James Murdoch apologised today for The Sun's coverage of the 1989 Hillsborough tragedy, when 96 Liverpool fans were killed by crushing in overcrowded spectator pens.

Mr Murdoch was put on the spot by Liverpool Walton MP Steve Rotheram as he gave evidence about the News of the World phone-hacking scandal to the Commons Culture, Media and Sport Committee.

He accepted that it was "wrong" for The Sun to have printed allegations about the behaviour of Liverpool fans under the headline "The Truth".

Mr Murdoch told the committee: "I would like to add my full apology for the wrong coverage of that affair. I would like to add my voice to the successive editors of The Sun and chief executives of News International who since that incident have apologised.

"It was wrong to do so. It was 22 years ago and I was far away and a much younger person and had no involvement or proximity to it, but I have since looked at it and I am aware of the concerns and the hurt it caused and it is something we are very sorry for, and I am as well."

Mr Rotheram suggested that the lack of serious repercussions for The Sun of printing the story may have encouraged a sense at News International that the company was "untouchable".

"Did the fact that The Sun got away with telling outrageous lies in 1989 lead News International into believing they could do whatever they wanted without reproach?" asked the Labour MP.

"Did the lack of appropriate corporate governance give a false sense of security that News International was untouchable?"

Mr Murdoch responded: "I don't think there has been - certainly not in my experience of the company - a sense that anyone is untouchable.

"What we want to be is the business we aspire to be, where we are doing the good work of serious journalism and serious creative endeavour."

Mr Rotheram pressed Mr Murdoch to pledge that The Sun would be closed down, as the News of the World was, if evidence emerged to prove its reporters were involved in phone-hacking.

The News International executive chairman replied: "I think it is important to not prejudge the outcome of any investigation. Nor is it appropriate to prejudge any actions the company might take.

"I don't think we can rule - and I shouldn't rule - any corporate reaction to wrong-doing out. That will be a decision taken at the time given whatever is out there."

PA

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in