Some shareholders have been placated for the time
being by News Corp’s climbing value. Its share price has risen by around 50% in
the past year, thanks to a $10 billion share buy-back and its decision to split
itself in two, siphoning off its newspaper business from its buoyant
entertainment business. Those not won over by dividends can “take [their]
profits and sell”, Mr Murdoch announced defiantly on Twitter before the meeting.
One shareholder says his rudeness is just another grievance to add to a long
list.
