Murdoch Unloads China TV Business

Rupert Murdoch's News Corp. stepped up its retreat from China yesterday with the sale of a controlling interest in three TV channels to a government-backed fund. The company insists that it plans to maintain a strong presence in China but analysts believe the move signals that News Corp., frustrated by interference from Beijing, has finally given up on its hopes of building a broadcasting business in the country, the Independent reports.

News Corp. Asia and Europe CEO James Murdoch, Rupert's son, "doesn’t believe that they can build a business in China," an industry executive tells the Financial Times. "This is a clear sign that they aren’t interested in China anymore, but they can’t say that.” (More News Corp stories.)