It is difficult writing about the NOTW phone hacking scandal and the demise of the best-selling paper, because the story keeps changing by the hour. As I write, the staff at the News of the World will soon pack their bags and walk out the door of News International, their jobs lost due to the actions of others, but who are still working to complete the final edition, out of loyalty to the publication and current editor, a shell-shocked Colin Myler.
It is extraordinary that a paper that still sold in millions is being closed down by Murdoch, but in a leaked speech to the staff Rebekah Brooks spoke of the NOTW being a "toxic brand", while she was accused by one angry employee of being "arrogant". There are concerns within News International that further revelations will emerge that could destroy the House of Murdoch and the feared Rupert himself is heading for London to take charge of a damage limitation operation, which may already be too late to salvage his and his corporation's reputation.
Andy Coulson, former editor of the NOTW, who resigned as the Prime Minister's Communications Director in January, was arrested, along with two others, on Friday. He was questioned for several hours before being released and over the coming months it is his friendship which could make life very difficult for David Cameron. Did the Prime Minister quiz Coulson about the phone hacking before hiring him and if so, how much did he know? Why did he persist in employing him when all around were advising him against it? Was he doing Murdoch a favour?
There is a sigh of relief and a certain amount of gloating over the whole scandal in some quarters, with many politicians and others, delighted to watch the Murdoch empire wallow in a mess of its own making. Many had reason to fear the News of the World, rightly so in most cases, but others found themselves fearful of an organisation which could "make or break" whoever it wished.
Labour is doing well to pile the pressure on the Prime Minister, but it needs to be careful not to overdo it, because it wasn't just those in the current government who stood in the queue at News International parties. Labour too have bowed in obedience towards Mr Murdoch and didn't Tony Blair fly all the way to Australia to meet with the media mogul prior to his first election as Prime Minister?
The Murdoch empire in the UK includes The Sun, The Times and Sunday Times, still respected and powerful publications. Whether Mr Murdoch will add total control of BSkyB to his treasure chest is now in doubt. If he fails to control BSkyB and, without the money-making News of the World, what future is there for Rupert Murdoch and News International in the UK?
The Guardian newspaper is to be congratulated on its investigation into the phone hacking scandal, uncovering wrongdoing, even after the first incompetent police inquiry.
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