News Corp. Promotes Murdoch Son

SYDNEY, Australia — News Corp. handed 27-year-old Lachlan Murdoch control of the media company’s U.S. print business, adding to his stable of Australian operations and boosting his prospects of eventually taking the reins from his father, Rupert Murdoch.

The world’s fifth-largest media company appointed Lachlan Murdoch senior executive vice president, giving him responsibility for businesses such as Harper Collins book publishing and admitting him to News Corp.’s inner sanctum, the office of the chairman.

The move also stokes a rivalry with his London-based sister, Elisabeth, 30, for the top job.

In addition to Harper Collins, Murdoch will take charge of the New York Post newspaper and News America Marketing, the newspaper insert and in-store advertising and marketing company. That includes Heritage Media, acquired in 1997 for $1.35 billion.