Of course ol' Rupe didn't personally tap into or hack into any one phone line, the man has zero computer capabilities - that's what he pays other people to do. The whole, "I didn't know what my peasants were doing" excuse simply does not fit Mr Murdoch's
modus operandi. He is well known for his close attention to spending within his various enterprises, not that he would look at how many pencils and pens, or how many boxes of note pads were being purchased but he would certainly ask about payments of several hundred thousand dollars to detectives, both private and police. I'm sure he had to approve the payments to the former editor who was the first one to be convicted and sent to jail.
for more, here's
The Telegraph's Phone hacking timeline that runs from March 2002 to May 3 2012.
Those who support FoxNews and NewsCorp are correct in saying the Murdoch's organisation will not be banned, however the possibility of the Murdoch family losing control of the corporation is I think quite high. Those who have invested in the company, such as Prince al Taleel, do not wish to see their money disappear and probably could join together in ousting Rupert and James if they see that as the best way to preserve their investments.