Murdoch replaces Hartigan as chairman of News Ltd

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Rupert Murdoch is to take over as chairman of News Corp 's Australian publishing arm News Ltd, following the resignation of long-serving chairman and chief executive John Hartigan. Murdoch announced today that Hartigan had stepped down from the company and his role had been split, with Kim Williams, chief executive of Australian pay TV company Foxtel.

New Corp, which has a 25 per cent stake in Foxtel, has appointed Richard Freudenstein as Williams' successor at Foxtel.

"John's decision will end a distinguished 41-year career with News in which he has given us exemplary service and incredible leadership," Murdoch said in a statement. "Few people have contributed as much as John to the quality of journalism in Australia. He has earned enormous respect among both colleagues and competitors."

Hartigan said he was "immensely proud" of the company. "I am privileged to have worked for such a great company. I want to thank the many colleagues that have helped, encouraged, inspired and challenged me to be the best I can be."

Murdoch's appointment as chairman comes at a time of government hostility toward the company in Australia. Prime minster Julia Gillard told the Australian press in July that Australians were "disturbed" by events uncovered in the UK and News Ltd had "a responsibilty to answer questions".

"When there has been a major discussion overseas, when people have seen telephones hacked into, when people have seen individuals grieving have to deal with all of this, then I do think that causes them to ask some questions here in our country, some questions about News Ltd here."

Both Murdoch and his sons James and Lachlan have also faced pressure from shareholders in the past month to take a step back from their respective roles at News Corp.

James, 38, and his brother Lachlan, Murdoch's eldest son at 40, saw 35 per cent and 34 per cent of shareholders voting against them being re-elected to the board

of directors.

Rupert Murdoch fared better than both, with only 14 per cent voting against him, although a much higher number of shareholders than average – equivalent to 12 million votes – abstained.

Discounting the 40 per cent of shares controlled by Murdoch, the family members suffered more significant blows in shareholder confidence.