Rupert, James Murdoch refuse to testify for phone-hacking inquiry next week

The New York Times / The Associated Press
Rupert and James Murdoch have refused to testify next week before a parliamentary panel investigating phone hacking by News Corp.’s British tabloids, spurring the panel to demand their presence. But it’s unclear how that could be enforced because the Murdochs are American citizens. James Murdoch offered to appear before the panel in August; Rupert Murdoch said he would be willing to talk to a separate inquiry investigating the culture of British media. Rebekah Brooks, the News International executive who was editor of News of the World, has agreed to appear. Further developments:

• Other British tabloids are hoping to fill the vacuum left by News of the World, with one planning to double its press run Sunday and another going after readers with a direct-mail campaign.
• More U.S. politicians are calling for investigations into News Corp.; one has asked for an FBI inquiry.
• Ken Auletta discusses whether the scandal could spread to News Corp. properties in the U.S.