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Rebekah Mary Brooks
CEO of News UK
Media Executive, Phone Hacking Central Figure
Overview
Rebekah Brooks (née Wade) is CEO of News UK (formerly News International), the British newspaper arm of Rupert Murdoch's empire. She was editor of News of the World (2000-2003) and The Sun (2003-2009) when systematic phone hacking of celebrities, politicians, and crime victims occurred. She was arrested and charged with phone hacking and obstruction of justice but acquitted in 2014. Despite the scandal, she was rehired as CEO in 2015, demonstrating Murdoch's loyalty to her.
Key Affiliations
Controversies & Concerns
PHONE HACKING: Newspaper under her editorship hacked phones of celebrities, politicians, and crime victims
MILLY DOWLER: News of the World hacked murdered schoolgirl's phone, giving false hope to family
OBSTRUCTION CHARGES: Charged with conspiring to pervert course of justice (acquitted)
CRIMINAL TRIAL: Arrested and tried alongside Andy Coulson, acquitted on all charges 2014
REHIRED: Despite scandal, rehired as News UK CEO in 2015
POLITICAL ACCESS: Close relationship with Prime Ministers Blair, Brown, Cameron
Related Investigations (3)
Criminal Charges & Violations
3 documented violations
UK Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000Phone interception (charged, acquitted)(Cybercrimes)
Perverting the Course of JusticeObstruction conspiracy (charged, acquitted)(Obstruction)
Data Protection ActPrivacy violations during editorship(Privacy Crimes)
Known Associates & Connections
Rupert Murdoch
Employer, close ally
James Murdoch
Former boss at News International
Andy Coulson
Successor as NoTW editor, convicted of hacking
David Cameron
Close friend, Christmas neighbor
Sources & Documentation
2 documented sources from official records, investigations, and reports
Personal Information
- Born
- May 27, 1968
- Birthplace
- Warrington, Cheshire, UK
- Also Known As
- Rebekah Wade (maiden name)
Education
- •Appleton Hall County Grammar School
Key Timeline
May 27, 1968
Born in Warrington, Cheshire
1989
Joins News of the World as secretary
2000
Becomes editor of News of the World at age 31
2003
Becomes editor of The Sun
2009
Becomes CEO of News International
July 2011
News of the World closes
July 15, 2011
Resigns as CEO amid scandal
July 17, 2011
Arrested on phone hacking charges
June 24, 2014
Acquitted of all charges
September 2015
Returns as CEO of News UK