Murdoch 'lines up son for BSkyB job'

The chief executive of BSkyB quit today, leaving a vacancy for the highest-paid and arguably most powerful job in commercial television.

The satellite broadcaster said Tony Ball had decided not to renew his contract and would leave well before it expires next May.

His departure will renew speculation that chairman Rupert Murdoch is manoeuvring to get his son James, 30, into the post.

Murdoch paid tribute to Mr Ball as "one of the most outstanding businessmen in Britain". Under his leadership, Sky subscriber numbers have doubled to seven million.

A board committee under former arts minister Lord St John of Fawsley will seek a successor.