News Corp Group bows to mounting pressure

How long does it take to scrap a 168-year-old top selling newspaper and force a media titan to re-think his takeover bid to expand his global empire?

Answer: Apparently, nine days.

Who could have predicted the News of the World phone-hacking affair would have such incredible ramifications.

The great Carl Bernstein referred to recent events as a “watershed for Britain” in Newsweek.

I found it rather hilarious and just a tad predictable the way ALL the MPs suddenly united in welcoming the the demise of the bid.

David Cameron’s about-turn is even funnier given his decision-making when it comes to employing a PR.

Another MP who looked decidedly uncomfortable today was hapless Jeremy Hunt.

Unsurprisingly, his rather timid announcement that he intends to refer the bid to the Competitions Commission now that News Corp has withdrawn it drew derision from all corners of the Commons.

You could barely hear him over the jeers.

I have to admit I am getting rather addicted the drama that has been unfolding.

If I am not switching back and forth from BBC News 24 to Sky News, then I am either checking Twitter or scanning news websites to compare and contrast who has uncovered what.

Not sure what I will do when it all dies down……..

Maybe I will take up gardening … then again maybe not – I kill Yuccas.

Don’t ask me how I do it, I just do.

NotW Fallout continued…

In the wee hours of Sunday morning an old corroded filling fell out on to my pillow.

I know, rather more information than you needed and what does it jolly well have to do with News Corp?

Well, be patient and I will reveal all.

I hot-footed it to my dentist on Monday. After poking and prodding around for a few minutes he began to mutter something inaudible under his breath.

He then leaned back on his black leather swivel chair and shook his head. I have a sweet-tooth so I knew it would be bad.

Sorry, I am digressing again….

He told me off for missing so many appointments in the past year and I explained that I am a journalist who was doing shift work at the time.

It was then a light came into his eyes as if he were possessed by an evil spirit and he began to talk about the NOTW and all the revelations and allegations.

You see, I told you I would get to the point eventually.

His accent suggested he was Eastern European but he was a little reticent about mentioning where he was born.

He would only refer to his homeland as “my country”.

“My country has problems…..the state…… Britain is democratic….. we look to [Britain]..”.

He was genuinely disconcerted by the unfolding News of the World drama.

He went on to say that if “we” could not get it right what chance did his country have.

I have to admit I was surprised. I had forgotten that other countries still see the UK as a shining beacon for democracy, ethics and morals.

My dentist’s perspective was in stark contrast to my nonchalant taxi driver a few days earlier who was not remotely surprised by the news headlines.

“I have taught myself not to get bothered with all that stuff otherwise I would be pulling my hair out,” he stated.

News of the World revelations rumble on……

Isn’t it funny how those who decided to take the three monkeys approach to professional life have suddenly found their voice…………