News Corp chief operating officer Peter Chernin is leaving the company after 20 years.
The FT reports that Chernin, 57, knew he had no chance succeeding Murdoch as chief executive and had been in protracted negotiations over a contract which was due to run out at the end of June.
His exit strengthens Murdoch’s control over the company and makes it even more likely that when the 77-year-old either retires, or dies, control will remain within the Murdoch clan.
Son James, who is boss of News Corp in Europe and Asia, is in poll-position to succeed his father as head of the company.
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