The board of satellite broadcaster British Sky Broadcasting has unanimously backed James Murdoch to retain his position as chairman of the company, a source tells Reuters. "The role of chairman was discussed at some length," the source familiar with the situation said. "James Murdoch will stay on as chairman," the source added, noting that the board would continue to "monitor external issues." The board meeting was the first since James's father Rupert, chairman and CEO of News Corp., dropped his bid to takeover BSkyB. According to earlier reports, James was thought to face "probing questions" about his ability to lead the company while enduring the phone-hacking scandal engulfing News International tabloids and other British newspapers.

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John Hudson