Don't Let The Door Hit Ya! James Murdoch Resigns From News International (DETAILS)

Rupert Murdoch's son James Murdoch has resigned from his position as chairman of News International, amidst heat from a phone hacking scandal at News Corp.

39-year-old James resigned to focus on the company's international TV business and will remain the deputy chief of News Corporation. In a statement following his resignation, James said:

"With the successful launch of The Sun on Sunday and new business practices in place across all titles, News International is now in a strong position to build on its successes in the future..."

James' father, Rupert Murdoch, as CEO of News Corporation, heads major media outlets such as the right-winged media program Fox News.

As reported by the Associated Press:

James and his role at News International have come under scrutiny amid Britain's expanding phone-hacking scandal at Murdoch-owned titles.

The younger Murdoch has said he was unaware of any indication that hacking was rife at the company's News of the World tabloid, a claim disputed by former colleagues.

In a statement, James, 39, thanked the dedication of his colleagues who he said worked "tirelessly to inform the public." He also praised the company's latest British newspaper, The Sun on Sunday, which had its first edition last weekend.

Tom Mockridge, chief executive of News International, will continue in his post and will report to News Corp. President and Chief Operating Officer Chase Carey, the company said in a statement.

Looks like the Murdoch empire is crumbling before our eyes.

SOURCE: Associated Press