BBC News Front Page Archive

Pack of photographers chase Rupert Murdoch's car as he leaves the Royal Courts of Justice in central London.

Mr Murdoch says his relationship with First Minister Alex Salmond is "warm". He adds: "He's an amusing guy."

Mr Jay asks: "Was there no link in your mind between your support for Mr Cameron and the BSkyB bid?" Mr Murdoch replies: "None at all."

Mr Murdoch says he was asked to use the back entrance to 10 Downing Street when he visited soon after the coalition was set up in May 2010.

And that's it, Lord Justice Leveson decides to wrap up the hearing for the day. Mr Murdoch will continue to give evidence at 10:00 BST on Thursday.

On his influence, Mr Murdoch says: "The perception irritates me because I think it's a myth and everthing I do every day proves it to be such." He uses the example of his papers' coverage of Mayor Bloomberg in New York: "It sends him crazy but we support him every times he stands for election."

On Scottish independence - the Scottish Sun supports the SNP but not this policy - Mr Murdoch says: "It's a little emotional, I am attracted by the idea, but not convinced so should stay neutral on the big issue and see how he (Mr Salmond) does."

Meanwhile, First Minister Alex Salmond denies any wrongdoing or impropriety in his dealings with the Murdochs over the News Corp takeover bid for BSkyB, and says he would be "delighted" to go before the Leveson Inquiry. This follows opposition calls for Mr Salmond to appear before the Scottish Parliament to answer questions about the affair.

On his meetings with politicians, Mr Murdoch adds: "I enjoy meeting our leaders, some impress me more than others. I meet them around the world, I can tell you one or two who particularly impress me. One looks at their personalities, knowledge, policies, principles."

Mr Cameron's visit was completely normal, Mr Murdoch says, as politicians go out of their way to impress newspaper editors and publishers.

Mr Murdoch says he has a vague recollection of David Cameron being flown by Matthew Freud in his plane to a family boat in August 2008. But he can't recall whether it was his or his daughter's boat.

Mr Murdoch says his relationship with First Minister Alex Salmond is "warm". He adds: "He's an amusing guy."

Mr Murdoch refutes Mr Jay's comment that there is "always political frisson around your bids, mergers and acquisitions". He says: "I want to put it to bed once and for all, that is a complete myth - that I used the influence of the Sun or supposed political power to get favourable treatment."

Mr Jay asks: "Was there no link in your mind between your support for Mr Cameron and the BSkyB bid?" Mr Murdoch replies: "None at all."

Mr Murdoch says: "If I had been interested in commercial interests I would have supported the Tories in every election as they are more pro-business. It was also in my interest to reflect the views or talk to our readers."

Mr Murdoch denies discussing the BBC licence fee, role of Ofcom or the employment of Andy Coulson with Mr Cameron. On ministers and the licence fee, he says: "All governments hated the BBC - and they all gave it whatever it wanted."

Mr Murdoch says he was asked to use the back entrance to 10 Downing Street when he visited soon after the coalition was set up in May 2010.

On his influence, Mr Murdoch says: "The perception irritates me because I think it's a myth and everthing I do every day proves it to be such." He uses the example of his papers' coverage of Mayor Bloomberg in New York: "It sends him crazy but we support him every times he stands for election."

Meanwhile, First Minister Alex Salmond denies any wrongdoing or impropriety in his dealings with the Murdochs over the News Corp takeover bid for BSkyB, and says he would be "delighted" to go before the Leveson Inquiry. This follows opposition calls for Mr Salmond to appear before the Scottish Parliament to answer questions about the affair.

Robert Jay QC asks: "Did you feel that he was lightweight?" Mr Murdoch replies: "No, not then, certainly, it was too early to make that judgement."

We're back, and straight into what Mr Murdoch thinks of Prime Minister David Cameron. He says says his first impressions were that he is "a good family man".

And while the Leveson Inquiry took a lunch break, the culture secretary ended his statement to the Commons in response to Tuesday's sensational evidence. He insisted he "followed due process" over News Corp's bid for BSkyB, but Labour's shadow culture secretary Harriet Harman kept up calls for Mr Hunt to resign. Our report here.

On his meetings with politicians, Mr Murdoch adds: "I enjoy meeting our leaders, some impress me more than others. I meet them around the world, I can tell you one or two who particularly impress me. One looks at their personalities, knowledge, policies, principles."

Mr Cameron's visit was completely normal, Mr Murdoch says, as politicians go out of their way to impress newspaper editors and publishers.

Opposition leaders in Scotland are demanding First Minister Alex Salmond makes a statement to Holyrood following claims he lobbied the UK government over News Corp's plan to take control of BSkyB. Read our full story here.

Mr Murdoch says he has a vague recollection of David Cameron being flown by Matthew Freud in his plane to a family boat in August 2008. But he can't recall whether it was his or his daughter's boat.

Mr Murdoch refutes Mr Jay's comment that there is "always political frisson around your bids, mergers and acquisitions". He says: "I want to put it to bed once and for all, that is a complete myth - that I used the influence of the Sun or supposed political power to get favourable treatment."

Mr Murdoch is scheduled to give evidence to the inquiry for two days. Our report rounding up this morning's testimony is here.

Mr Murdoch says: "If I had been interested in commercial interests I would have supported the Tories in every election as they are more pro-business. It was also in my interest to reflect the views or talk to our readers."

Mr Murdoch denies discussing the BBC licence fee, role of Ofcom or the employment of Andy Coulson with Mr Cameron. On ministers and the licence fee, he says: "All governments hated the BBC - and they all gave it whatever it wanted."

says it seems Adam Smith has been offered up as a political sacrificial lamb to shield Jeremy Hunt from the core accusations he was paving the way for the Murdochs to take over BSkyB.

Robert Jay QC asks: "Did you feel that he was lightweight?" Mr Murdoch replies: "No, not then, certainly, it was too early to make that judgement."

We're back, and straight into what Mr Murdoch thinks of Prime Minister David Cameron. He says says his first impressions were that he is "a good family man".

And while the Leveson Inquiry took a lunch break, the culture secretary ended his statement to the Commons in response to Tuesday's sensational evidence. He insisted he "followed due process" over News Corp's bid for BSkyB, but Labour's shadow culture secretary Harriet Harman kept up calls for Mr Hunt to resign. Our report here.

runs through the key questions Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt is facing about his handling of News Corp's bid for BSkyB.

Opposition leaders in Scotland are demanding First Minister Alex Salmond makes a statement to Holyrood following claims he lobbied the UK government over News Corp's plan to take control of BSkyB. Read our full story here.

For background on Gordon Brown's claims that the Sun accessed his family's medical records, here's our coverage of the paper's denial from July 2011.

adds that the other passage to stand out was Mr Murdoch admitting he did determine the editorial policy of the Sun, but when he used it to give a political view it was not because he wanted benefits for his company; he claims his aims were always ideological.

Mr Murdoch is scheduled to give evidence to the inquiry for two days. Our report rounding up this morning's testimony is here.

says a moment of considerable drama during the morning's evidence came when Mr Murdoch described his conversation with Gordon Brown in 2009 in which he "declared war" on News International. "It was really quite a remarkable revelation," our correspondent says. "We obviously wait to see what Gordon Brown himself has to say about all of this."

Mr Murdoch ends the morning's session by saying it did not enter his thinking that Mr Brown's "declaring war" comments meant he would place obstacles in the way of his bid for the remaining shares of BSkyB.

runs through the key questions Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt is facing about his handling of News Corp's bid for BSkyB.

In the Commons, Labour MP Tom Watson asks the culture secretary if he seriously expects the nation to believe the texts and emails were the work of a "single rogue adviser" - a reference to News Corp's initial defence of phone hacking.

For background on Gordon Brown's claims that the Sun accessed his family's medical records, here's our coverage of the paper's denial from July 2011.

He says Mr Brown wrote to former Sun editor Rebekah Brooks thanking her for sensitive handling of story and that letter is now with police.

adds that the other passage to stand out was Mr Murdoch admitting he did determine the editorial policy of the Sun, but when he used it to give a political view it was not because he wanted benefits for his company; he claims his aims were always ideological.

says a moment of considerable drama during the morning's evidence came when Mr Murdoch described his conversation with Gordon Brown in 2009 in which he "declared war" on News International. "It was really quite a remarkable revelation," our correspondent says. "We obviously wait to see what Gordon Brown himself has to say about all of this."

Mr Murdoch accuses Mr Brown of knowingly misleading Commons by saying the Sun hacked into his medical records when he knew how story about his son emerged.

But he says Mr Brown replied: "Well, your company has declared war on my government and we have no choce but to declare war on your company."

He says Gordon Brown did not "roar" down the phone at him following the Sun's decision to support a change of government in 2009.

Mr Murdoch describes slumber party at Chequers in June 2008 as "just a bunch of women, many complaining about their husbands probably".

Mr Murdoch ends the morning's session by saying it did not enter his thinking that Mr Brown's "declaring war" comments meant he would place obstacles in the way of his bid for the remaining shares of BSkyB.

He says he regrets the breakdown of the relationship and hopes it can be repaired.

"My personal relationship with Gordon Brown was always warm," Mr Murdoch says.

Meanwhile in the Commons, Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt is telling MPs he intends to set the record straight about his relations with News Corp on a "number of issues" - and insisting he has "strictly followed due process".

Asked whether he said the Tories were unelectable, Mr Murdoch says: "I don't think so, I don't think they were." He adds: "You keep putting words into my mouth Mr Jay. I told you I have no memory of any such conversation."

Mr Murdoch says he stepped in to stop publication of former Hong Kong governor Chris Patten's memoirs by Harper Collins as he was "a bad governor", but says decision was wrong.

Mr Murdoch describes slumber party at Chequers in June 2008 as "just a bunch of women, many complaining about their husbands probably".

He says he regrets the breakdown of the relationship and hopes it can be repaired.

"My personal relationship with Gordon Brown was always warm," Mr Murdoch says.

In the Commons, a backbench question on the BSkyB bid saga, this time focusing on First Minister Alex Salmond's relationship with News Corp, prompts Mr Cameron to suggest all politicians had "cosied up" to the Murdoch empire too much.

Watching Prime Minister's Questions, our reporter says: "Jeremy Hunt, who's making a statement at 12.30pm, is regularly glancing down at his notes, fiddling with his pen..."

News Corp did not make holding a referendum on the EU constitution a condition of support in the 2005 election, Mr Murdoch says. "We certainly expressed our opinion strongly that it should be put to the people and I don't think we were alone in that," he says.

On the subject of whether there was a "back channel" for communications between his office and News Corp, Mr Hunt says this was "categorically" not the case.

Mr Murdoch's written statement has now been published on the Leveson Inquiry website. Here's a link if you'd like to read it in full.

The inquiry currently taking another short break.

"It seems a long time now since Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt was being talked of as the next Conservative leader." Read the rest of our profile of Mr Hunt here.

Mr Murdoch agrees that all of his papers around the world supported the 2003 Gulf War.

Meanwhile in the Commons, Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt is telling MPs he intends to set the record straight about his relations with News Corp on a "number of issues" - and insisting he has "strictly followed due process".

Asked whether he said the Tories were unelectable, Mr Murdoch says: "I don't think so, I don't think they were." He adds: "You keep putting words into my mouth Mr Jay. I told you I have no memory of any such conversation."

Mr Murdoch says he stepped in to stop publication of former Hong Kong governor Chris Patten's memoirs by Harper Collins as he was "a bad governor", but says decision was wrong.

Mr Murdoch says the decision of the Sun to back Mr Blair would have been made with his - Mr Murdoch's - approval. He agrees he extracted as much as he could in terms of policy promises from Mr Blair before he endorsed him.

At Prime Minister's Questions, Mr Cameron calls again for people to wait for the verdict of the Leveson Inquiry, accusing Mr Miliband of jumping on a political bandwagon. He has not mentioned Adam Smith's resignation yet. The prime minister says his culture secretary has his "full support".

Over in the House of Commons, Labour leader Ed Miliband describes the Hunt situation as a "political disaster". He says "it beggars belief" that David Cameron can continue to defend his culture secretary. He says evidence shows Mr Hunt was "not judging but helping" the News Corp bid for BSkyB.

On dealings with Mr Blair, Mr Murdoch raps desk as he says: "In 10 years I never asked Mr Blair for anything. Nor did I receive any favours."

Questioning moves on to Mr Murdoch's relationship with Tony Blair. He has no memory of lunch at Mossimans in 1997 with the former prime minister.

Robert Jay QC asks: "So you are oblivious to commercial benefits of particular party winning an election?" Mr Murdoch replies: "Yes."

Our politics team offers minute-by-minute coverage of Prime Minister's Questions, which precedes under-fire Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt's statement in the Commons at 12:30 BST.

Mr Murdoch: "I don't know many politicians."

At Prime Minister's Questions, Mr Cameron calls again for people to wait for the verdict of the Leveson Inquiry, accusing Mr Miliband of jumping on a political bandwagon. He has not mentioned Adam Smith's resignation yet. The prime minister says his culture secretary has his "full support".

Mr Murdoch denies that he likes to back the winning side at elections as best way to foment his commercial interests. "I never let commercial interests enter consideration at elections," he says.

Over in the House of Commons, Labour leader Ed Miliband describes the Hunt situation as a "political disaster". He says "it beggars belief" that David Cameron can continue to defend his culture secretary. He says evidence shows Mr Hunt was "not judging but helping" the News Corp bid for BSkyB.

On dealings with Mr Blair, Mr Murdoch raps desk as he says: "In 10 years I never asked Mr Blair for anything. Nor did I receive any favours."

He says Kelvin MacKenzie got "one hell of" a telling-off for the famous "It Was The Sun Wot Won It" headline following the 1992 election. "I just thought it was tasteless and wrong for us. We didn't have that sort of power."

Mr Murdoch agrees he is the biggest player in the UK newspaper market. "I go to election every day. People can stop buying my papers at any time," he says.

Our report on resignation of culture secretary's special adviser here.

Mr Murdoch is asked whether it's true after election result on 11 June 1987, when Ken Livingstone blamed Labour's defeat on the smears of the media, "Rupert cried out, 'That's me,' and was delighted." Mr Murdoch responds: "I was there and if I said that I'm afraid it was the influence of alcohol".

Robert Jay QC asks: "So you are oblivious to commercial benefits of particular party winning an election?" Mr Murdoch replies: "Yes."

Our politics team offers minute-by-minute coverage of Prime Minister's Questions, which precedes under-fire Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt's statement in the Commons at 12:30 BST.

Mr Murdoch: "I don't know many politicians."

Mr Murdoch denies that he likes to back the winning side at elections as best way to foment his commercial interests. "I never let commercial interests enter consideration at elections," he says.

"I welcomed, was jealous, of the Daily Telegraph buying the expense accounts of MPs. I think the Sunday Times followed later with the Lords. I thought that was a great public service. I was disappointed the editor of the Times didn't buy them when they were offered them first," he says.

Mr Murdoch does not believe TV stars, film stars and politicians are entitled to same amount of privacy as man in the street. "If we are going to have transparent democracy let's have everything out," he says.

On press intrusion, Mr Murdoch says he does not believe in hacking or private detectives: "It's a lazy way of reporters not doing their job properly."

He says Kelvin MacKenzie got "one hell of" a telling-off for the famous "It Was The Sun Wot Won It" headline following the 1992 election. "I just thought it was tasteless and wrong for us. We didn't have that sort of power."

Our correspondent says Robert Jay QC had accused Mr Murdoch of sacking a Times editor because he wasn't compliant enough. But the mogul denied his own influence over editors and the power of his aura, saying: "I'm a curious person and find it hard to hold my tongue, but I'm just curious."

Our report on resignation of culture secretary's special adviser here.

Mr Murdoch is asked whether it's true after election result on 11 June 1987, when Ken Livingstone blamed Labour's defeat on the smears of the media, "Rupert cried out, 'That's me,' and was delighted." Mr Murdoch responds: "I was there and if I said that I'm afraid it was the influence of alcohol".

A recap of key evidence so far from BBC political correspondent Ross Hawkins. He says the inquiry has been trying to find out whether Mr Murdoch had sought to extract a promise from Mrs Thatcher about the purchase of the Times in 1981, to which Mr Murdoch replied: "I have never asked a PM for anything."

The hearing takes a short break.

On the publication of the Hitler Diaries in 1983, Mr Murdoch says it was a "major mistake".

"I welcomed, was jealous, of the Daily Telegraph buying the expense accounts of MPs. I think the Sunday Times followed later with the Lords. I thought that was a great public service. I was disappointed the editor of the Times didn't buy them when they were offered them first," he says.

Mr Murdoch does not believe TV stars, film stars and politicians are entitled to same amount of privacy as man in the street. "If we are going to have transparent democracy let's have everything out," he says.

On press intrusion, Mr Murdoch says he does not believe in hacking or private detectives: "It's a lazy way of reporters not doing their job properly."

"I never much interfered with the News of the World, I'm sorry to say," Mr Murdoch says. "I'm not disowning it, or saying it wasn't my responsibility to, but I was always closer to the Sun."

Mr Murdoch denies he was one of powers behind Mrs Thatcher's throne. Adds: "If you want to judge my thinking, look at the Sun."

Mr Murdoch says he has "great respect for British public". Says his mantra is always "to tell the truth, interest the public, get their attention, but always tell the truth".

On whether standards of tabloid newspapers have improved since 1981, Mr Murdoch replies: "The Sun has never been a better paper than it is today. I can't say the same for our competitors".

The News Corp boss, "aura or charisma" or not, is profiled here.

Our correspondent says Robert Jay QC had accused Mr Murdoch of sacking a Times editor because he wasn't compliant enough. But the mogul denied his own influence over editors and the power of his aura, saying: "I'm a curious person and find it hard to hold my tongue, but I'm just curious."

A recap of key evidence so far from BBC political correspondent Ross Hawkins. He says the inquiry has been trying to find out whether Mr Murdoch had sought to extract a promise from Mrs Thatcher about the purchase of the Times in 1981, to which Mr Murdoch replied: "I have never asked a PM for anything."

Murdoch says he tries to set an example of ethical behaviour and makes it "quite clear" that he expects it. "But do I do it via an aura or charisma? I don't think so."

Mr Murdoch says he told minister in 1981 that he did not mind if the deal to buy the Times was referred to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission, but he reserved right to renegotiate the price.

The hearing takes a short break.

On the publication of the Hitler Diaries in 1983, Mr Murdoch says it was a "major mistake".

"I never much interfered with the News of the World, I'm sorry to say," Mr Murdoch says. "I'm not disowning it, or saying it wasn't my responsibility to, but I was always closer to the Sun."

Mr Murdoch denies he was one of powers behind Mrs Thatcher's throne. Adds: "If you want to judge my thinking, look at the Sun."

Here we run back over the key dates that have brought Rupert Murdoch, and on Tuesday his son James, to the Leveson Inquiry.

Mr Murdoch says he has "great respect for British public". Says his mantra is always "to tell the truth, interest the public, get their attention, but always tell the truth".

On whether standards of tabloid newspapers have improved since 1981, Mr Murdoch replies: "The Sun has never been a better paper than it is today. I can't say the same for our competitors".

The News Corp boss, "aura or charisma" or not, is profiled here.

Mr Murdoch asked about meeting with Mrs Thatcher at Chequers in 1981, which focused on his bid to take over the Times. He says it was important as "this was the movement of great institution which was under threat of closure, I thought it was perfectly right she knew what was at stake".

"I didn't expect any help from her," he asserts.

Murdoch says he tries to set an example of ethical behaviour and makes it "quite clear" that he expects it. "But do I do it via an aura or charisma? I don't think so."

Mr Murdoch says he told minister in 1981 that he did not mind if the deal to buy the Times was referred to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission, but he reserved right to renegotiate the price.

Rupert Murdoch photographed leaving home on Wednesday morning.

Mr Murdoch agrees he was a great fan of Margaret Thatcher, saying "we all wanted a change" in 1979.

Here we run back over the key dates that have brought Rupert Murdoch, and on Tuesday his son James, to the Leveson Inquiry.

Mr Murdoch says media abuses go further than phone hacking, and also he wants to put certain myths about himself to bed.

Mr Murdoch says the need for the inquiry is obvious as there have been some abuses. "The state of media in this country is of vital interest to all its citizens."

Mr Murdoch asked about meeting with Mrs Thatcher at Chequers in 1981, which focused on his bid to take over the Times. He says it was important as "this was the movement of great institution which was under threat of closure, I thought it was perfectly right she knew what was at stake".

"I didn't expect any help from her," he asserts.

That evidence heard at the inquiry yesterday appeared to show Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt's support for News Corp's bid for BSkyB in 2010-11, and has led to calls from the Labour Party for the minister to resign.

In his opening remarks, Lord Justice Leveson says he is aware documents such as the emails presented on Tuesday "cannot always be taken at face value and can bear more than one interpretation". He says it is "very important to hear every side of story before drawing conclusions".

Proceedings held up by a man claiming he has rheumatism refusing to sit down. He is asked to leave and does so shouting that it's a "circus," the BBC's Peter Hunt says. His Twitter feed from the hearing can be followed here.

Rupert Murdoch photographed leaving home on Wednesday morning.

The News Corp boss, 81, will be asked whether he exerted undue influence over British public life through his papers. He is also likely to be grilled on the phone-hacking scandal which led to the closure of the News of the World.

Good morning and welcome to the BBC's live coverage of what looks set to be another explosive day at the Leveson Inquiry. Stay with us for updates on, and reaction to, the questioning Rupert Murdoch.

Mr Murdoch agrees he was a great fan of Margaret Thatcher, saying "we all wanted a change" in 1979.

Mr Murdoch says media abuses go further than phone hacking, and also he wants to put certain myths about himself to bed.

Mr Murdoch says the need for the inquiry is obvious as there have been some abuses. "The state of media in this country is of vital interest to all its citizens."

That evidence heard at the inquiry yesterday appeared to show Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt's support for News Corp's bid for BSkyB in 2010-11, and has led to calls from the Labour Party for the minister to resign.