FBI opens probe into News Corp hacking scandal

The Takeaway

Story from The Takeaway. Use audio player above to listen to full report.

The repercussions from the News of the World hacking scandal are slowly spreading across the Atlantic to American shores. Yesterday, the FBI opened an investigation into whether News Corp. employees tried to hack into phones belonging to 9/11 victims and their family members.

They began the investigation after Republican Rep. Peter King, chairman of the Homeland Security Committee, made a call for the probe. “Journalists working for News of the World solicited a New York police officer to gain access to the content of private phone records of 9/11 victims,” King wrote in his letter.

In related news, Rebekah Brooks, the embattled chief executive of News International, News Corporation’s British newspaper subsidiary, has agreed to step down following weeks of political and public pressure.

————————————————————-

“The Takeaway”is a national morning news program, delivering the news and analysis you need to catch up, start your day, and prepare for what’s ahead. The show is a co-production of WNYC and PRI, in editorial collaboration with the BBC, The New York Times Radio, and WGBH.

Do you support journalism that strengthens our democracy?

At The World, we believe strongly that human-centered journalism is at the heart of an informed public and a strong democracy. We see democracy and journalism as two sides of the same coin. If you care about one, it is imperative to care about the other.

Every day, our nonprofit newsroom seeks to inform and empower listeners and hold the powerful accountable. Neither would be possible without the support of listeners like you. If you believe in our work, will you give today? We need your help now more than ever! Every gift will be matched 2:1, so your impact will go even further.