Factual
BSkyB to announce CEO today, James Murdoch set to take reins
LONDON: Over a month of speculation on the appointment of the next CEO of British pay television operator BskyB looks likely to come to an end today.
The company is scheduled to announce its decision today and BSkyB chairman Rupert Murdoch appears likely to get his way and have his son James take over the reins. Previous CEO Tony Ball stepped down in September.
A BSkyB board meeting is to be held at 2 pm GMT today after which the official announcement of Ball’s replacement will reportedly be made.
Rupert Murdoch last month publicly backed his son as the best candidate to take over from Tony Ball, who resigned in September. Murdoch Jr. is currently a member of BSkyB’s board. UK investors were concerned that his inexperience might hinder the company’s growth.
James Murdoch is presently CEO of News Corp’s Asian arm the Star Group. News Corp owns a 35.4 per cent stake in the pay TV operator and Murdoch senior already serves as BSkyB’s chairman while James is a director on the company board.
Only the BSkyB’s eight independent non-executive directors would be allowed to vote on who becomes the new chief executive, Britain’s Sunday Telegraph said. Rupert Murdoch and four other non-executive directors, who also work for News Corp, will not be able to vote.
BSkyB holds its annual general meeting in Britain on 14 November and it has been Rupert Murdoch’s stated desire to see James in the driver’s seat before that.
BSkyB is now on the brink of its next challenge as a maturing company. Reports indicate that the new appointment follows Murdoch’s tactics of changing leaders when a company reaches a new stage of development.
But the BSkyB CEO tale is not expected to all go Murdoch’s way. The Independent pointed to mounting speculation that Rupert Murdoch might sacrifice his own position as chairman to assuage angry shareholders and keep the City on side.
Whether Murdoch will step down will be known soon enough. One person who will almost certainly have to go is is Lord St John, the former Conservative minister who is up for re-election.
According to The Independent , a powerful shareholder group, the National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF) is convinced that after 12 years on the Sky board, Lord St John cannot be considered independent. The newspapre quotes the NAPF as saying it “would have expected such a fundamentally important task (as filling the chief executive job) to be led by a director whose independence was not open to question.”
In its report on the company, the NAPF also urged BSkyB to appoint new independent non-executive directors and recommended that shareholders also vote against the company’s remuneration report at the 14 November AGM.
Factual
National Geographic launches ‘Postcards from Hong Kong’ with Ridhi Dogra
New series explores the city’s hidden gems and vibrant contrasts, premiering 28 March.
MUMBAI: Ridhi Dogra just sent a postcard from Hong Kong that’s worth framing because when a bustling metropolis reveals its quiet trails and timeless traditions, even the skyline takes a back seat. National Geographic has unveiled Postcards from Hong Kong, a refreshing travel series hosted and curated by actor Ridhi Dogra. Produced by National Geographic Creative Works in collaboration with the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the show offers an intimate, Indian traveller’s perspective on one of Asia’s most iconic cities, moving beyond its glittering harbour and skyscrapers to uncover serene beaches, scenic hiking trails and deep cultural traditions.
Across three visually rich episodes, Ridhi journeys through contrasting sides of Hong Kong. The first episode takes her on a quieter path of self-discovery to places like Sai Kung, Big Wave Bay, Dragon’s Back, Tai O, Ngong Ping, Po Lin Monastery and the Tian Tan Buddha. The second episode dives into the city’s energetic side, from the bustling streets of Causeway Bay to Happy Valley Racecourse, Michelin-starred spots and luxury shopping at Landmark.
Ridhi Dogra said, “Being part of Postcards from Hong Kong with Nat Geo was a deeply enriching experience. What I love about this journey is that it goes beyond the obvious; it’s not just about the skyline or the speed of the city but about the stories that live in its quieter corners.”
A National Geographic India spokesperson added, “With Postcards from Hong Kong, we set out to go beyond the familiar and explore the city through a more intimate, human lens.”
Hong Kong Tourism Board director of South Asia Puneet Kumar noted, “Postcards from Hong Kong is a reflection of meaningful storytelling that brings the city to life in an immersive way. It beautifully captures the diversity and spirit that define Hong Kong.”
Blending travel, culture and personal storytelling, the series celebrates Hong Kong as a city of contrasts where modern life meets tradition and every corner holds a story waiting to be discovered. It premieres on 28 March at 8 pm on the National Geographic Channel and will also stream on JioHotstar.
In a world of hurried travel reels, Postcards from Hong Kong slows things down just enough to let viewers truly see the city not just its lights, but its layers, proving that the best souvenirs are the stories you bring home.
