Murdoch junior 'best for the job'

JAMES Murdoch is the 'best man for the job' as chief executive of BSkyB, according to the president of News Corp, a 35.4% shareholder in the satellite broadcaster.

The 30-year-old son of Rupert Murdoch, News Corp's chairman, has formally applied for the role, which becomes vacant on the departure of Tony Ball.

But his candidature has raised the hackles of several institutional investors. James Murdoch currently runs Sky TV in Asia.

Speaking at the trade fair Mipcom in Cannes, Peter Chernin, president and chief operating officer of News Corp, said: 'James is a remarkably talented executive. I don't think there is anybody else in the pay television industry that has had the success he's had over the last three years. We believe James is the best person to do this job.'

He added: 'We have never done anything at BSkyB that isn't in the best interests of the company. I don't think anyone can point to a single instance where News Corp has benefited at the expense of BSkyB shareholders. It's not like we're raping the company.'

Some institutions have called for Murdoch senior to stand aside if his son ends up running BSkyB.

BSkyB finance director Martin Stewart has applied for the job and chief operating officer Richard Freudstein is expected to do so. Disney Television president David Hulbert is also said to be keen.

BSkyB hopes to name its new boss by the time of its annual meeting in November.