Murdoch Spars With Shareholders Ahead of Report on Vote

Rupert Murdoch, chairman and chief executive officer of News Corp., jousted with shareholders at the annual meeting, parrying charges of lax oversight and employing wit as he sought to disarm critics.

“I hate to call you a liar but I don’t believe you,” Murdoch said to Australian investor Stephen Mayne, who told assembled shareholders in Los Angeles today he was undecided how to vote and was seeking a debate over governance proposals and board nominations. “I know how you’re going to vote,” Murdoch said, drawing chuckles from the crowd.