Changes at top at News Corp

News Corp, Rupert Murdoch's media empire, last night announced senior management changes. The company also announced that the North American operations of News Corp will be consolidated under the Fox Group.

Peter Chernin has been appointed president and chief operating officer of News Corp, and Chase Carey has become co-chief operating officer.

Mr Chenin will also become chairman and chief executive of Fox Television Group, part of Fox Group.

Mr Carey will continue as chairman and chief executive of Fox Television Group.

"These appointments are designed to strengthen management and coordination of the company throughout the world," Mr Murdoch said.

Media analysts said the appointments signalled that Mr Murdoch was trying to strengthen the company's programming business as he expanded satellite and broadcast television around the globe.

News Corp said it also had established an Office of the Chairman, which will have management responsibility for its world-wide operations. The office, besides Mr Chernin and Mr Carey, will consist of Rupert Murdoch, chief executive and chairman, David DeVoc, chief financial officer, and Arthur Siskind, general counsel.