Murdoch named Cannes Media Person of the Year

The trophy will be presented to Murdoch during the Press, Outdoor and Cyber Lions Awards Ceremony, on Wednesday 22 June 2005. This award, which honours a leading personality from the worldwide media industry, is given in recognition of Murdoch's leadership and skill in managing and developing News Corporation's internationally diverse media sectors, which include print and television.

Terry Savage, festival CEO, says: "Murdoch clearly stands at the forefront of a new generation of media entrepreneurs who have the vision, drive and commitment to lead and shape the future of media."

Commenting on the award, Murdoch says: "I am very honoured to have been recognised by the festival. I of course share the award with my colleagues at News Corp, whose energy and creativity are the true strength of our company. It is extremely gratifying that our efforts are appreciated by those in the worldwide advertising community, whose support is so central to our success."

Murdoch directly manages subsidiary business units that generate more than two-thirds of the global media company's revenue. He oversees publishing company HarperCollins and News America Marketing, News Corp's freestanding inserts business, and is chairman of News Limited, parent company of News Corp's Australian operations. In addition, he is chairman of News Corp's United States television station group, which is among the largest in the nation, and is publisher of the New York Post.

At the New York Post, Murdoch has aggressively pursued the paper's focus on boosting circulation, overhauling the tabloid and solidifying its position as America's fastest growing newspaper. During his tenure, daily circulation has increased by over 40 percent and the paper has become the seventh largest in the United States.

The 52nd International Advertising Festivals will be held from 19 to 25 June 2005 in Cannes, France. CineMark is the South African sponsor. For more information on the Cannes Lions, log on to www.canneslions.com.