In a series of moves, Rupert Murdoch is in the midst of shaking up senior executives in News Corp. (NYSE: NWS) and is putting his son James Murdoch in line to ultimately succeed him. James, 34 years old, has been appointed to head all News Corp’s media operations in Europe and Asia, and will step down from his current role as CEO of BSkyB, (NYSE: BSY) reports Guardian. He will also become the satellite broadcaster’s non-executive chairman, taking over from his father. Sky CFO Jeremy Darroch will take over from James Murdoch as BSkyB’s CEO. (Pic on the right: James Murdoch speaking recently at the Monaco Media Forum)

James’ new responsibilities will include overseeing News International, publisher of the Times, the Sunday Times, News of the World and the Sun, as well as News Corp assets including SkyItalia and Asian satellite broadcaster Star TV, the story says.

DJN: He will still have to prove to News Corp. directors, and his father, that he can work effectively with COO Peter Chernin and that he would make a capable successor for Murdoch senior - who has said that any decision will be left to the board

This comes as Dow Jones (NYSE: DJ) announced that it will replace its CEO Rich Zannino, with Les Hinton earlier today, and other reports of Robert Thomson close to being appointed as publisher of WSJ.
WSJ: His new role means James Murdoch will have oversight of News Corp.’s most important satellite-TV businesses. (The company is selling its interest in its U.S. satellite affiliate DirecTV). It also introduces a more cohesive management structure for News Corp.; until now, executives in Asia reported to various different people throughout the company.