Rupert Murdoch long considered resignation: report

Embattled media baron Rupert Murdoch was considering stepping down as CEO of News Corp for more than a year, prior to the phone-hacking scandal that rocked his empire in the UK, a media report said today.

"Even before the scandal erupted in recent weeks, the elder Murdoch had considered stepping down as CEO in favor of chief operating officer Chase Carey, according to people familiar with the situation," The Wall Street Journal said.

That switch -- under consideration for more than a year -— may have little day-to-day impact but it would have enormous symbolic significance.

Under that scenario, Murdoch would remain as executive chairman.

"Even if Murdoch decides to make this change, he wouldn't do it right now," the person said.

"Instead it would likely happen in several months' time, when presumably the furor had died down," the newspaper said.

The 80-year-old Australian-American Murdoch will appear before Britain's cross-party Culture, Media and Sport Committee today accompanied by son James.

Rupert Murdoch's embattled group has publicly apologised twice during the weekend, promising to make amends in the aftermath of the phone hacking scandal.