More than half of Sky’s independent shareholders have voted against the reappointment of James Murdoch as chairman of the broadcaster.
In total 50.6% voted against Murdoch in the chairman’s seat, which he has occupied since April. However, he received 71.5% backing for his reappointment as a director.
The Financial Times observes that his support as a director included the 39% of shares owned by 21st Century Fox, the Murdoch-owned media group where James Murdoch is chief executive.
The Guardian reports that Sky has issued a statement noting the vote and said it will engage with shareholders on the issue. It also said the board had unanimously voted to reappoint Murdoch and believes there are “strong governance measures in place”.
Murdoch has been a director of Sky since 2003 but was appointed chairman in January this year on the retirement of Nicholas Ferguson.
Murdoch also serves on Sky’s nominations committee.
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