On July 24, seven key News International personnel in the United Kingdom and one contracted private investigator were charged with 19 counts of conspiracy to hack mobile phone voice mails between 2000 and 2006. At long last, the allegations will be tested in court.
The Leveson inquiry continues to tarnish the institutional reputation of British politicians and press alike, especially but not solely News Ltd. The interest in the appropriate balance between media and state power extends beyond Britain.
In 2010, prominent print and electronic journalists in India were ensnared in the "Radiagate affair," named after political lobbyist Nira Radia, in an influence-peddling scandal for selling privileged access to politicians to commercial barons.