Murdoch’s closest adviser resigns from News Corp

Lachlan Murdoch’s closest advisor Siobhan McKenna is retiring from News Corp and from her overarching position as CEO of broadcasting at the company, its global boss Robert Thomson confirmed on Thursday morning.

McKenna, who is considered the most influential figure within the News Corp stable in Australia had her official duties reduced after she steered through the sale of Foxtel earlier this year to British streamer DAZN.

“Her decision, as it is her decision, is essentially epochal as Siobhan has been a transformational force during her years with News Corp,” Thomson said in his note to staff.

“She leaves a luminous legacy, and will be missed by me and by all those who have had the privilege of her presence.”

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While she is leaving News Corp, McKenna will remain a close advisor of Lachlan Murdoch’s, continuing to oversee his private investment vehicle Illyria, which owns Nova.

McKenna was profiled by Good Weekend last week. She will officially retire from her position at News on December 31. She remains chair of Australia Post and chair of Nova Entertainment.

News Corp’s Australian accounts were published late on Wednesday, showing a drop in both print advertising revenue as well as a drop in circulation and subscription revenue. News posted a net loss after tax of $27.4 million for the year.

News Corp was approached for comment.