News Corp. consolidates global gov't affairs

[February 14, 2012]  NEW YORK (AP) -- News Corp. is consolidating its global government affairs activities and relocating them to the U.S.

The company's global affairs will be led by Michael Regan, executive vice president for government affairs and head of its Washington operations. Also, Frederic Michel will be senior vice president of government affairs and public policy for Europe. He will lead a new Brussels-based operation for News Corp. Most recently he was director of public affairs for Europe.

News Corp. is dealing with the fallout of the British tabloid phone-hacking scandal. Authorities are investigating allegations that reporters at The Sun newspaper paid bribes to police officers. If that is the case, the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act could be used to levy large fines against the company, even if the activity happened in other countries.

News Corp. deputy chief operating officer James Murdoch said in a statement that the move "will ensure that we have a clear, coordinated focus on legislative and regulatory issues across all the territories in which we operate, led by a very experienced team."

[Associated Press]

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