The phone hacking scandal involving News Corporation, one of the most significant media controversies of the 21st century, rocked the foundations of British journalism and brought to light unethical practices within the media industry. Among the high-profile victims was actress Sienna Miller, whose case became emblematic of the scandal’s far-reaching impact.
This blog is part of our feature series on the Rise and Fall of Murdoch’s Media Empire, as we delve into the specifics of the illegal phone tapping of Sienna Miller, the broader scandal, and its consequences for News Corp and the media landscape.
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The Phone Hacking Scandal Unfolds
The phone hacking scandal primarily centered around the activities of journalists at the News of the World, a British tabloid owned by News Corporation. Reporters and private investigators employed by the newspaper were found to have intercepted voicemail messages of numerous individuals, including celebrities, politicians, and ordinary citizens, in pursuit of exclusive stories
Initial Revelations
The scandal began to unravel in 2006 when members of the royal family were discovered to have been targets of phone hacking. The investigation initially led to the imprisonment of the News of the World’s royal editor, Clive Goodman, and private investigator Glenn Mulcaire. However, it later emerged that the practice was widespread and not limited to a few rogue employees.
Sienna Miller’s Case
Target of Hacking
Actress Sienna Miller was one of the notable victims whose phone was hacked by News of the World journalists.
Her private voicemail messages were intercepted, leading to the publication of intimate and sensitive details about her personal life in the tabloid.
Legal Action
In 2011, Sienna Miller launched legal action against News Corp, accusing the company of gross invasion of privacy.
Her lawsuit was a significant moment in the scandal, as it brought considerable public attention to the unethical practices employed by the tabloid.
Settlement
News Corp ultimately settled with Sienna Miller, paying her £100,000 in damages after the News of the World newspaper admitted hacking into her phone. Later that year, Miller gave evidence to the Leveson Inquiry.
The settlement was not only a personal victory for Miller but also underscored the severity of the newspaper’s misconduct.
Broader Implications and Consequences
Public Outcry and Media Scrutiny
The revelations of widespread phone hacking led to a massive public outcry and increased scrutiny of media practices in the UK. The scandal exposed the lengths to which journalists and private investigators would go to obtain private information, often violating legal and ethical boundaries.
Closure of News of the World
In response to the scandal, Rupert Murdoch made the decision to shut down the News of the World in July 2011. The newspaper, which had been in operation for 168 years, ceased publication as a result of the public backlash and loss of advertiser support.
Leveson Inquiry
The scandal prompted the establishment of the Leveson Inquiry, a judicial public inquiry into the culture, practices, and ethics of the British press. Led by Lord Justice Leveson, the inquiry examined the extent of unlawful activities by journalists and the relationship between the press, the public, and the police
Regulatory Reforms
The Leveson Inquiry led to several recommendations for regulatory reforms aimed at improving accountability and ethics in the British press. These included the establishment of a new independent regulatory body to replace the Press Complaints Commission and measures to protect individuals from unwarranted media intrusion.
Impact on News Corp
The scandal had a profound impact on News Corporation, damaging its reputation and leading to significant financial and legal consequences. Several senior executives resigned, and the company faced multiple lawsuits and settlements.
The scandal also affected Murdoch’s broader media ambitions, including his attempt to take full control of the satellite broadcaster BSkyB.
Illegal phone tapping of Sienna Miller
The illegal phone tapping of Sienna Miller and other high-profile individuals by News of the World journalists marked a dark chapter in the history of British journalism.
The scandal not only led to the closure of the newspaper but also sparked widespread public outrage and significant regulatory reforms.
The fallout from the phone hacking scandal continues to influence media practices and ethics, serving as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining integrity and accountability in journalism.
The case of Sienna Miller highlights the personal toll of such unethical practices and underscores the need for vigilant oversight and reform in the media industry.
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