Fox parent company to disclose political giving

[May 14, 2011]  COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- The directors of media conglomerate News Corp., the owner of Fox News Channel, have quietly put in place a policy to disclose corporate political donations publicly on its website.

The decision was made April 12 and posted to the website without fanfare. A company spokeswoman declined a request by The Associated Press to discuss the new policy. The first posting of donations is scheduled for July 15, with annual postings to follow each January.

Media magnate Rupert Murdoch, who controls the company, drew attention for a $1 million contribution he made last year to the Republican Governors Association. Murdoch had told Washington-based Politico website the donation was prompted by his friendship with then-Ohio governor candidate John Kasich (KAY'-sik).

Kasich, a former Fox News commentator, won the election.

[Associated Press; By JULIE CARR SMYTH]

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