THE Australian arm of Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation media empire, News Ltd, will no longer be run by a newspaperman, John Hartigan, but by Kim Williams, the pay TV executive and son-in-law of former Labor prime minister Gough Whitlam.

Mr Murdoch made the significant shift in both direction and culture of his local operations yesterday while visiting Australia, with Mr Hartigan leaving after 11 years as chief executive and 41 years with the company. He turns 64 next week, and his departure had been rumoured for weeks, but was not confirmed until the necessary replacements were arranged.

Mr Murdoch will become chairman of News Ltd as well as of its parent, News Corp, and Mr Williams, the erudite head of Foxtel who has never run a newspaper, will move to the Holt Street home of an empire with plenty of them, including the The Daily Telegraph and The Australian.

He [Murdoch Junior]'s facing another tough – and no doubt long – session before the Media Select Committee today. To liven things up if you're watching at home, give yourself a point if he uses any of these phrases:

Did not have direct knowledge

No recollection

Can you repeat?

Difficult for me to comment

Regret

Financial quantum

Not in a position to answer

Humble

Before I was involved

Happy to supply awritten answer

Co-operate fully

Matters for current criminal investigations

Not to my knowledge

Approval threshold

Procedural question

Due process

Transparency

If I can clarify

Documentary information

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/press/murdoch-junior-is-prepped-for-assault-on-credibility-6259686.html

News Limited chief operating officer Peter Macourt is stepping down after 11 years in the role.

Mr Macourt, who joined News Limited in 1983, will leave the company at the end of the year, chief executive Kim Williams said in a statement.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-12-12/cassidy-gillard-ministry-shuffle/3726520?WT.svl=theDrum