British Sky Broadcasting confirms James Murdoch steps down as chairman

photo FILE - This is a Sunday July 10, 2011 photo of then Chief executive of News Corporation Europe and Asia, James Murdoch gesturing as he leaves his father Chairman of News Corporation Rupert Murdoch's residence, in central London. Britain's Sky News says media executive James Murdoch, under pressure over his role in Britain's tabloid phone hacking scandal, is stepping down as chairman of British Sky Broadcasting. Sky, the news channel of BSkyB, reports that the resignation will be confirmed later Tuesday April 3, 2012 after a board meeting. (AP Photo/Sang Tan, File)

JILL LAWLESS, Associated Press

LONDON (AP) - British Sky Broadcasting PLC says James Murdoch has stepped down as chairman, but will remain a member of the broadcaster's board.

Murdoch is under pressure over his role in Britain's tabloid phone hacking scandal and said in a letter to the board Tuesday that he was resigning so that "the interests of BSkyB should not be undermined by matters outside the scope of this company."

BSkyB says Murdoch will be replaced as chairman by Nicholas Ferguson, the previous deputy chairman.

Murdoch, one of his father Rupert's chief lieutenants, has been facing severe criticism as a result of the phone hacking scandal that brought down the Murdoch-owned News of the World tabloid in Britain.

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