UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

 


FORM 10-Q

 


(Mark One)

xQuarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the quarterly period ended September 30,December 31, 2007

or

 

¨Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the transition period fromto

Commission file number 001-32352

 


NEWS CORPORATION

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 

Delaware 26-0075658

(State or Other Jurisdiction

of Incorporation or Organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

1211 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10036
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (212) 852-7000

 


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d)15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer”filer and largerlarge accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer    x                    Accelerated filer    ¨                    Non-accelerated filer    ¨

Large accelerated filer  xAccelerated filer  ¨Non-accelerated filer  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934).    Yes  ¨    No  x

As of November 5, 2007, 2,139,482,756February 1, 2008, 2,140,726,442 shares of Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, and 986,520,953 shares of Class B Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, were outstanding.

 



NEWS CORPORATION

FORM 10-Q

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

      Page

Part I.

Financial Information

 
 Item 1. 

Financial Statements

 
  

Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and six months ended September 30,December 31, 2007 and 2006

 3
  

Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30,December 31, 2007 (unaudited) and June 30, 2007 (audited)

 4
  

Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the threesix months ended September 30,December 31, 2007 and 2006

 5
  

Notes to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

 6
 Item 2. 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 3741
 Item 3. 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 5460
 Item 4. 

Controls and Procedures

 5661

Part II.

Other Information

 
 Item 1. 

Legal Proceedings

 5661
 Item 1A. 

Risk Factors

 5661
 Item 2. 

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 5964
 Item 3. 

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 5964
 Item 4. 

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

 5964
 Item 5. 

Other Information

 5965
 Item 6. 

Exhibits

 6066
 

Signature

 6167

NEWS CORPORATION

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(in millions, except per share amounts)

 

   For the three months
ended September 30,
 
       2007          2006     

Revenues

  $7,067  $5,914 

Expenses:

   

Operating

   4,408   3,754 

Selling, general and administrative

   1,290   1,102 

Depreciation and amortization

   322   207 
         

Operating income

   1,047   851 

Other income (expense):

   

Equity earnings of affiliates

   246   243 

Interest expense, net

   (213)  (200)

Interest income

   100   75 

Other, net

   —     428 
         

Income before income tax expense and minority interest in subsidiaries

   1,180   1,397 

Income tax expense

   (414)  (538)

Minority interest in subsidiaries, net of tax

   (34)  (16)
         

Net income

  $732  $843 
         

Per share amounts:

   

Basic and diluted earnings

  $0.23  

Class A

   $0.28 

Class B

   $0.23 

   For the three months
ended December 31,
  For the six months
ended December 31,
 
       2007          2006          2007          2006     

Revenues

  $8,590  $7,844  $15,657  $13,758 

Expenses:

     

Operating

   5,443   5,341   9,851   9,095 

Selling, general and administrative

   1,442   1,153   2,732   2,255 

Depreciation and amortization

   287   206   609   413 
                 

Operating income

   1,418   1,144   2,465   1,995 

Other income (expense):

     

Equity (losses) earnings of affiliates

   (50)  249   196   492 

Interest expense, net

   (245)  (212)  (458)  (412)

Interest income

   78   72   178   147 

Other, net

   187   18   187   446 
                 

Income before income tax expense and minority interest in subsidiaries

   1,388   1,271   2,568   2,668 

Income tax expense

   (520)  (431)  (934)  (969)

Minority interest in subsidiaries, net of tax

   (36)  (18)  (70)  (34)
                 

Net income

  $832  $822  $1,564  $1,665 
                 

Per share amounts:

     

Basic earnings

  $0.27   $0.50  

Class A

   $0.27   $0.56 

Class B

   $0.23   $0.46 

Diluted earnings

  $0.27   $0.50  

Class A

   $0.27   $0.55 

Class B

   $0.23   $0.46 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

NEWS CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in millions, except share and per share amounts)

 

   At
September 30,
2007
  At
June 30,
2007
   (unaudited)  (audited)

Assets:

    

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

  $8,118  $7,654

Receivables, net

   6,480   5,842

Inventories, net

   2,422   2,039

Other

   534   371
        

Total current assets

   17,554   15,906
        

Non-current assets:

    

Receivables

   499   437

Investments

   10,977   11,413

Inventories, net

   2,653   2,626

Property, plant and equipment, net

   5,839   5,617

Intangible assets, net

   11,845   11,703

Goodwill

   14,192   13,819

Other non-current assets

   933   822
        

Total assets

  $64,492  $62,343
        

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity:

    

Current liabilities:

    

Borrowings

  $385  $355

Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities

   5,355   4,545

Participations, residuals and royalties payable

   1,313   1,185

Program rights payable

   986   940

Deferred revenue

   780   469
        

Total current liabilities

   8,819   7,494
        

Non-current liabilities:

    

Borrowings

   12,148   12,147

Other liabilities

   4,459   3,319

Deferred income taxes

   4,737   5,899

Minority interest in subsidiaries

   688   562

Commitments and contingencies

    

Stockholders’ Equity:

    

Class A common stock(1)

   21   21

Class B common stock(2)

   10   10

Additional paid-in capital

   27,253   27,333

Retained earnings and accumulated other comprehensive income

   6,357   5,558
        

Total stockholders’ equity

   33,641   32,922
        

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

  $64,492  $62,343
        

   At
December 31,
2007
  At
June 30,
2007
   (unaudited)  (audited)

Assets

    

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

  $3,495  $7,654

Receivables, net

   7,489   5,842

Inventories, net

   2,719   2,039

Other

   625   371
        

Total current assets

   14,328   15,906
        

Non-current assets:

    

Receivables

   509   437

Investments

   10,959   11,413

Inventories, net

   2,823   2,626

Property, plant and equipment, net

   6,585   5,617

Intangible assets, net

   13,998   11,703

Goodwill

   18,294   13,819

Other non-current assets

   1,420   822
        

Total assets

  $68,916  $62,343
        

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

    

Current liabilities:

    

Borrowings

  $836  $355

Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities

   5,567   4,545

Participations, residuals and royalties payable

   1,403   1,185

Program rights payable

   916   940

Deferred revenue

   856   469
        

Total current liabilities

   9,578   7,494
        

Non-current liabilities:

    

Borrowings

   13,213   12,147

Other liabilities

   4,831   3,319

Deferred income taxes

   5,503   5,899

Minority interest in subsidiaries

   1,039   562

Commitments and contingencies

    

Stockholders’ Equity:

    

Class A common stock(1)

   21   21

Class B common stock(2)

   10   10

Additional paid-in capital

   27,400   27,333

Retained earnings and accumulated other comprehensive income

   7,321   5,558
        

Total stockholders’ equity

   34,752   32,922
        

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

  $68,916  $62,343
        

(1)

Class A common stock, $0.01 par value $0.01 per share, 6,000,000,000 shares authorized, 2,138,752,5652,140,324,444 shares and 2,139,585,571 shares issued and outstanding, net of 1,777,555,1531,777,514,167 and 1,777,593,698 treasury shares at par at September 30,December 31, 2007 and June 30, 2007, respectively.

(2)

Class B common stock, $0.01 par value $0.01 per share, 3,000,000,000 shares authorized, 986,520,953 shares issued and outstanding, net of 313,721,702 treasury shares at par at September 30,December 31, 2007 and June 30, 2007.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

NEWS CORPORATION

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in millions)

 

  For the three months
ended September 30,
   For the six months
ended December 31,
 
      2007         2006       2007 2006 

Operating activities:

      

Net income

  $732  $843   $1,564  $1,665 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:

      

Depreciation and amortization

   322   207    609   413 

Amortization of cable distribution investments

   12   23    35   39 

Equity earnings of affiliates

   (246)  (243)   (196)  (492)

Cash distributions received from affiliates

   19   14    158   121 

Other, net

   —     (428)   (187)  (446)

Minority interest in subsidiaries, net of tax

   34   16    70   34 

Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:

      

Receivables and other assets

   (719)  (55)   (1,441)  (1,014)

Inventories, net

   (215)  (232)   (667)  (586)

Accounts payable and other liabilities

   864   571    794   971 
              

Net cash provided by operating activities

   803   716    739   705 
              

Investing activities:

      

Property, plant and equipment, net of acquisitions

   (343)  (282)   (699)  (608)

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

   (239)  (157)   (5,368)  (292)

Investments in equity affiliates

   (35)  (11)   (21)  (181)

Other investments

   3   (17)   (40)  (297)

Proceeds from sale of investments and other non-current assets

   289   288    299   358 
              

Net cash used in investing activities

   (325)  (179)   (5,829)  (1,020)
              

Financing activities:

      

Borrowings

   10   145    1,262   160 

Repayment of borrowings

   —     (190)   (132)  (190)

Issuance of shares

   39   68    66   173 

Repurchase of shares

   (122)  (59)   (122)  (59)

Dividends paid

   (2)  (3)   (186)  (185)

Other, net

   22   —      22   —   
              

Net cash used in financing activities

   (53)  (39)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

   910   (101)
              

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

   425   498 

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

   (4,180)  (416)

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

   7,654   5,783    7,654   5,783 

Exchange movement on opening cash balance

   39   11    21   71 
              

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

  $8,118  $6,292   $3,495  $5,438 
              

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1—Basis of Presentation

News Corporation, a Delaware corporation, with its subsidiaries (together “News Corporation” or the “Company”), is a diversified entertainment company, which manages and reports its businesses in eight segments: Filmed Entertainment, Television, Cable Network Programming, Direct Broadcast Satellite Television (“DBS”), Magazines and Inserts, Newspapers and Information Services, Book Publishing and Other.

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. In the opinion of management, all adjustments consisting only of normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair presentation have been reflected in these unaudited consolidated financial statements. Operating results for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008.

These interim unaudited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on August 23, 2007.

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of News Corporation and its subsidiaries. Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. Equity investments in which the Company exercises significant influence but does not exercise control and is not the primary beneficiary are accounted for using the equity method. Investments in which the Company is not able to exercise significant influence over the investee are accounted for under the cost method.

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires that management make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Because of the use of estimates inherent in the financial reporting process, actual results could differ from those estimates.

Certain fiscal 2007 amounts have been reclassified to conform to the fiscal 2008 presentation.

The Company maintains a 52-53 week fiscal year ending on the Sunday nearest to each reporting date. As such, all references to September 30,December 31, 2007 and September 30,December 31, 2006 relate to the three and six month periodperiods ended SeptemberDecember 30, 2007 and October 1,December 31, 2006, respectively. For convenience purposes, the Company continues to date its financial statements as of September 30th.December 31.

In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 130, “Reporting Comprehensive Income,” total comprehensive income for the Company consists of the following:

 

  For the three months
ended September 30,
  For the three months
ended December 31,
  For the six months
ended December 31,
      2007         2006          2007          2006          2007         2006    
  (in millions)  (in millions)

Net income, as reported

  $732  $843  $832  $822  $1,564  $1,665

Other comprehensive income:

          

Foreign currency translation adjustments

   329   76   78   240   407   316

Unrealized holding (losses) gains on securities, net of tax

   (82)  75

Unrealized holding gains (losses) on securities, net of tax

   54   9   (28)  84
                  

Total comprehensive income

  $979  $994  $964  $1,071  $1,943  $2,065
                  

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1—Basis of Presentation (continued)

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

On July 1, 2007, the Company adopted the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of FAS 109, Accounting for Income Taxes” (“FIN 48”), which did not have a material impact to the Company’s liability for unrecognized tax benefits. Total unrecognized tax benefits at the date of adoption of FIN 48 were $2.2 billion, of which $2.0 billion would affect the Company’s effective income tax rate, if and when recognized in future fiscal years. MovementThe increase in the accrued balance during the threesix months ended September 30,December 31, 2007 was $65$210 million. The six month movement includes $27 million of acquired unrecognized tax benefits from the acquisition of Dow Jones & Company Inc. (“Dow Jones”). The Company does not presently anticipate such uncertain income tax positions will significantly increase or decrease in the next 12 months; however, actual developments in this area could differ from those currently expected. The implementation impact includes an increase in Other liabilitiesLiabilities of approximately $1.2 billion offset by a similar reduction in deferred income taxes as of July 1, 2007.

The Company recognizes interest and penalty charges related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense, which is consistent with the recognition in prior reporting periods. Through July 1, 2007, the Company had recorded liabilities for accrued interest of $258 million. The changeincrease in the accrual for interest for the threesix months ended September 30,December 31, 2007 was $28 million.$66 million, which includes $6 million of acquired interest from Dow Jones.

The Internal Revenue Service recently concluded its examination of the Company’s U.S. federal income tax returns through 2002, and will beginhas commenced examining the Company’s returns for the years subsequent to 2002. Additionally, the Company’s income tax returns for the years 2000 through 2006 are under examination in various foreign jurisdictions.

In December 2007, FASB issued SFAS No. 141(revised 2007), “Business Combinations” (“SFAS No. 141R”). SFAS No. 141R significantly changes the accounting for business combinations in a number of areas, including the treatment of contingent consideration, preacquisition contingencies, transaction costs, in-process research and development and restructuring costs. In addition, under SFAS No. 141R, changes in an acquired entity’s deferred tax assets and uncertain tax positions after the measurement period will impact income tax expense. SFAS No. 141R is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. The Company will adopt SFAS No. 141R beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2010. This standard will change the Company’s accounting treatment for business combinations on a prospective basis.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements, an amendment of ARB No. 51” (“SFAS No. 160”). SFAS No. 160 changes the accounting and reporting for minority interests, which will be recharacterized as noncontrolling interests and classified as a component of equity. This new consolidation method significantly changes the accounting for transactions with minority interest holders. SFAS No. 160 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. The Company will adopt SFAS No. 160 beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2010. The Company is currently evaluating what effects, if any, the adoption of SFAS No. 160 will have on the Company’s future results of operations and financial condition.

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 2—Acquisitions, Disposals and Other Transactions

Fiscal 2008 Transactions

Acquisitions

In July 2007, the Company acquired Photobucket, a web-based provider of photo- and video-sharing services, for initial consideration of approximately $237 million in cash. Additional consideration of up to $50 million may be payable contingent upon the achievement of certain performance objectives.

On December 13, 2007, the Company completed the acquisition of Dow Jones pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of July 31, 2007, by and among the Company, entered intoRuby Newco LLC, a definitive merger agreementwholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (“Ruby Newco”), Dow Jones and Diamond Merger Sub Corporation, as amended (the “Merger Agreement”) with Dow Jones Company, Inc. (“Dow Jones”), pursuant. Pursuant to which the Company agreed, subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, to acquire Dow Jones in a transaction valued at approximately $5.7 billion. Members of the Bancroft family and related trusts owning approximately 37% of Dow Jones voting stock have agreed to vote their shares in favor of the transaction. Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, a subsidiary of the Company will be merged with and into Dow Jones, and Dow Jones stockholders will be entitled to receive in such merger $60 in cash for each share of Dow Jones common stock they own or to make an election to have some or all of their shares of Dow Joneswas converted into a numberthe right to receive, at the election of the holder, either (x) $60.00 in cash or (y) 2.8681 Class B common units of a newly formed subsidiary of the Company, Ruby Newco LLC (eachNewco. Each Class B common unit of Ruby Newco LLC will be exchangeableis convertible after a period of time into a share of News Corporation Class A common stock. The consideration for (subject to adjustment) onethe acquisition was approximately $5,700 million which consists of: $5,100 million in cash, assumed net debt of approximately $330 million, approximately $200 million in equity instruments and the Company anticipates making additional acquisition related cash payments of $100 million during the remainder of fiscal 2008. The results of Dow Jones have been included in the Company’s unaudited consolidated statement of operations from December 13, 2007, the date of acquisition.

As part of the Dow Jones acquisition, the Company assumed total debt of $378 million which consisted of: 3.875% notes due 2008 in the amount of $225 million, $131 million in commercial paper, and a $22 million variable interest note. In December, the Company retired all of the commercial paper outstanding.

In addition, in December 2007, the Company issued approximately 8 million Class B common units of Ruby Newco, approximately 7 million stock options and approximately 500,000 restricted share ofunits over the Company’s Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Class A Common Stock”) in accordance with the terms and conditions of such subsidiary’s operating agreement). The allocation procedures undertotal fair value of these instruments was approximately $200 million.

News Corporation believes that this acquisition will position it as a leader in the Merger Agreement provide that Ruby Newco LLC Class B common unitsfinancial news and information market and will be received by no more than 250 record holdersenhance its ability to adapt to future challenges and opportunities within News Corporation’s Newspapers and Information Services segment and across the Company’s other related business segments.

The following Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Statements of Operations give effect to the Company’s acquisition of Dow Jones, shares and in exchangeas if the acquisition had occurred on July 1, 2006.

   For the three months
ended December 31,
  For the six months
ended December 31,
     2007      2006(1)    2007  2006(1)  
   (in millions, except per share amounts)

Revenue

  $9,159  $8,322  $16,712  $14,642

Net income

   835   809   1,536   1,606

Per share amounts:

        

Basic earnings

  $0.27    $0.49  

Class A

    $0.27    $0.54

Class B

    $0.22    $0.45

Diluted earnings

  $0.27    $0.49  

Class A

    $0.27    $0.53

Class B

    $0.22    $0.44

(1)

Excludes discontinued operations

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The unaudited pro forma data is provided for informational purposes only. The pro forma information is not more than 10%necessarily indicative of the outstanding shares of Dow Jones common stock and Dow Jones Class B common stock, inresults that would have been obtained had the aggregate. The obligationsacquisition been completed at the dates indicated. In addition, the unaudited pro forma data does not purport to project the future financial position or operating results of the Company and Dow Jones.

Under the purchase method of accounting, the total purchase price is allocated to Dow Jones to completenet tangible and intangible assets based upon Dow Jones’ estimated fair value as of the merger aredate of completion of the acquisition. Based upon the purchase price and the valuation performed, the preliminary purchase price allocation, which is subject to customary closing conditions,change based on the Company’s final analysis, is as follows:

   As of December 31,
2007
   (in millions)

Assets acquired:

  

Current assets

  $444

Property, plant and equipment

   634

Other assets

   448

Intangible assets

   2,093

Goodwill

   3,934
    

Total assets acquired

  $7,553
    

Liabilities assumed:

  

Current liabilities

  $491

Deferred income taxes

   744

Deferred revenue

   218

Other liabilities

   425

Borrowings

   378
    

Total liabilities assumed

   2,256

Minority interest in subsidiaries

   165
    

Net assets acquired

  $5,132
    

The Company has not finalized the detailed valuation studies necessary to arrive at the required estimates of the fair market value of the Dow Jones assets acquired and the liabilities assumed and the related allocations of purchase price. The Company allocated, on a preliminary basis, approximately $600 million to amortizable intangible assets primarily consisting of subscriber relationship intangible assets with a weighted-average useful life of 25 years. The Company also allocated, on a preliminary basis, approximately $1,500 million to trade names, which will not be amortized as they have an indefinite remaining useful life based primarily on their market position and the Company’s plans for continued indefinite use. Further, approximately $4,000 million was preliminarily allocated to goodwill, which represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired. The goodwill is not being amortized in accordance with SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” (“SFAS No. 142”) and is not deductible for tax purposes. The preliminary allocation of Goodwill is included in the Other segment, until the final valuation is complete. The amount of goodwill assumed will change depending on the fair values allocated to the tangible and intangible assets and liabilities acquired. For every $25 million reduction in goodwill for additional value to be assigned to identifiable finite-lived intangible assets or tangible assets, Depreciation and amortization expense would increase by approximately $1 million per fiscal year, representing amortization expense assuming an average useful life of 25 years.

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Actual allocations may differ from these once the Company has completed the valuation studies necessary to finalize the required purchase price allocations and identified any necessary conforming accounting changes for Dow Jones. There can be no assurance that this finalization will not result in material changes to the purchase price allocation above.

As a result of the Dow Jones acquisition, the Company established and approved plans to integrate the acquired operations into the Company’s Newspapers and Information Services segment, for which the Company preliminarily recorded approximately $150 million in accrued liabilities in December 2007. These purchase accounting adjustments consist of separation payments for certain Dow Jones executives under the change in control plan Dow Jones had previously established, non-cancelable lease commitments and lease termination charges for leased facilities that will be exited and other contract termination costs associated with the restructuring activities. The finalization of certain of these actions could result in changes in the accrual amount.

Note 2—Acquisitions, Disposals

In November 2007, Dow Jones announced that it would explore strategic alternatives for the Ottaway Community Newspapers (the “Ottaway Newspapers”), which the Company acquired as part of the Dow Jones transaction. The strategic options include, but are not limited to, the possible sale of some or all of the Ottaway Newspapers’ publications and related properties. No agreement has yet been entered into with respect to any transaction involving the Ottaway Newspapers. At December 31, 2007, the assets and liabilities of the Ottaway Newspapers are classified as assets held for sale. Assets held for sale of $25 million and $423 million are included in Other current assets and Other Transactions (continued)non-current assets, respectively, and liabilities related to assets held for sale of $23 million are included in other current liabilities in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2007.

In December 2007, Fox Television Stations, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company and FoxCo Acquisition Sub, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Oak Hill Capital Partners III, L.P. (“Oak Hill Capital”), entered into a Stock and Asset Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”), pursuant to which the Company agreed to sell eight of its owned-and-operated FOX network affiliated television stations (the “Stations”) to Oak Hill Capital for approximately $1.1 billion in cash. The Stations include: WJW in Cleveland, OH; KDVR in Denver, CO; KTVI in St. Louis, MO; WDAF in Kansas City, MO; WITI in Milwaukee, WI; KSTU in Salt Lake City, UT; WBRC in Birmingham, AL; and WGHP in Greensboro, NC. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including, among other things, adoption(a) regulatory approvals, (b) the receipt of the Merger Agreementconsent of the Federal Communications Commission (the “FCC”) relating to the assignment or transfer of control of the television broadcasting licenses issued by the affirmative vote of a majorityFCC for the Stations and (c) with regard to two of the votes entitled to be castStations only, certain other actions by the holders of Dow Jones common stock and Dow Jones Class B common stock at a special meeting of Dow Jones stockholders, voting togetherFCC in connection with the digital television facilities for the two Stations. In the event the closing condition described in (c) above is not satisfied or waived by Oak Hill Capital, the transaction shall be effected as a single class, the executionsale of an editorial agreement, the establishment by the Company of a special committee as contemplated under such editorial agreement, regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. The Merger Agreement contains certain termination rights for both the Company and Dow Jones, including the right of Dow Jones to terminate the agreement to enter into an alternative transaction that constitutes a superior acquisition proposal. Upon terminationsix of the Merger Agreement under specified circumstances, including by Dow Jones to accept a superior acquisition proposal, Dow Jones would be required to pay a termination fee of $165 million less any previously paid expenses.Stations, excluding the Stations described in (c) above, at an adjusted price. The acquisitiontransaction is expected to be completed in the fourththird calendar quarter of calendar 2007. The Company has agreed, upon consummation of the transaction, to appoint a member of the Bancroft family or another mutually acceptable person to the Company’s Board of Directors.2008.

Fiscal 2007 Transactions

Acquisitions

In November 2006, the Company, together with a local Turkish partner, acquired TGRT (now called “FOX TV”), a national general interest free-to-air broadcast television station in Turkey. The Company acquired its interest for approximately $103 million in cash plus acquisition related costs.

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

In December 2006, NDS Group plc (“NDS”), an indirect majority owned subsidiary of the Company, acquired Jungo Limited (“Jungo”), a developer and supplier of software for use in residential gateway devices, for approximately $91 million. Additional consideration of up to $17 million may be payable in cash, contingent upon Jungo achieving certain revenue and profitability targets in the year ending December 31, 2007.

In January 2007, the Company and VeriSign, Inc. (“VeriSign”) formed a joint venture to provide entertainment content for mobile devices. The Company paid approximately $190 million for a controlling interest in VeriSign’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Jamba, which was combined with certain of the Company’s FOX Mobile Entertainment assets. The results of the joint venture have been included in the Company’s consolidated results of operations since January 2007. The Company and VeriSign have various put and call rights related to VeriSign’s ownership interests, including VeriSign’s right to put its interest in the joint venture to the Company for $150 million and $350 million, in fiscal 2010 and fiscal 2012, respectively. The Company accounts for the VeriSign put arrangementrights in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Topic No. D-98, “Classification and Measurement of Redeemable Securities” (“EITF D-98”) because thetheir exercise is outside the control of the Company and, accordingly, as of September 30,December 31, 2007, havehas reflected the accreted value of the put right in minority interest in subsidiaries in its unaudited consolidated balance sheet. The accreted value of VeriSign’s put right was determined by using the interest method and accreting the minority interest balance up to the fixed price put amount in fiscal 2010 and fiscal 2012. At September 30,December 31, 2007, the accreted value of VeriSign’s put right was determined using an annual interest rate of 12%.

In March 2007, the Company acquired Strategic Data Corporation (“SDC”), a developer of technology that allows websites to target advertisements to specific audiences. The Company acquired SDC for a total purchase price of $50 million, of which $40 million was in cash and $10 million in deferred consideration. The Company may be required to pay up to an additional $310 million through fiscal 2010 contingent upon SDC achieving specified advertising rate growth in future periods.

In April 2007, the Company completed its acquisition of Federal Publishing Company’s (“FPC”) magazines, newspapers and online properties in Australia from F Hannan Pty Limited for approximately $393 million.

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 2—Acquisitions, Disposals and Other Transactions (continued)

In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”)SFAS No. 142 “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” (“SFAS No. 142”) the excess purchase price that has been allocated or has been preliminarily allocated to goodwill is not being amortized for all of the acquisitions noted above. Where the allocation of the excess purchase price is not final, the amount allocated to goodwill is subject to changes upon completion of final valuations of certain assets and liabilities. A future reduction in goodwill for additional value to be assigned to identifiable finite-lived intangible assets or tangible assets could reduce future earnings as a result of additional amortization. For every $10 million reduction in goodwill for additional value to be assigned to identifiable finite-lived intangible assets or tangible assets, Depreciation and amortization expense would increase by approximately $1 million per fiscal year, representing amortization expense assuming an average useful life of ten years.

The aforementioned acquisitions were all accounted for in accordance with SFAS No. 141, “Business Combinations.”

Share Exchange Agreement

On December 22, 2006, the Company entered into a share exchange agreement (the “Share Exchange Agreement”) with Liberty Media Corporation (“Liberty”). Under the terms of the Share Exchange Agreement, Liberty will exchange its entire interest in the Company’s common stock (approximately 325 million shares of Class A Common Stock and 188 million shares of Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Class B Common Stock)Stock”)) for 100% of a News Corporation subsidiary (“Splitco”), whose holdings will consist of an

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

approximately 40%41% interest (approximately 470 million shares) in The DIRECTV Group, Inc. (“DIRECTV”) constituting the Company’s entire interest in DIRECTV, three of the Company’s Regional Sports Networks (“RSNs”) (FSN Northwest, FSN Pittsburgh and FSN Rocky Mountain (the “Three RSNs”)) and $588 million in cash, subject to adjustment. The transaction contemplated by the Share Exchange Agreement was approved by the Company’s Class B common stockholders on April 3, 2007, but remains subject to customary closing conditions, including, among other things, regulatory approvals and the absence of a material adverse effect on Splitco. If these conditions are satisfied, the transaction is expected to be completed no later than the first quarter of calendar 2008. The Company will enter into a non-competition agreement with DIRECTV and non-competition agreements with each of the Three RSNs, in each case, restricting its right to compete for a period of four years with DIRECTV and the Three RSNs in the respective regions in which such entities are operating on the date the Share Exchange Agreement is consummated.

Other Transactions

In fiscal 2007, the Company restructured the ownership interest in one of its majority-owned RSNs. The minority shareholder has a put right related to their respectiveits ownership interest that is currently exercisable and is outside of the control of the Company. The Company accounts for this put arrangement in accordance with EITF D-98, and, as of June 30,December 31, 2007, has included the value of the put right in minority interest in subsidiaries in the consolidated balance sheet. The fair value of the minority shareholder’s put right was determined by using a discounted earnings (losses) before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization valuation model, assuming a 10% compounded annual growth rate and a 9% discount rate.

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 3—Receivables, net

Receivables, net are presented net of an allowance for returns and doubtful accounts, which is an estimate of amounts that may not be collectible. In determining the allowance for returns, management analyzes historical returns, current economic trends and changes in customer demand and acceptance of the Company’s products. Based on this information, management reserves a percentage of each dollar of product sales that provide the customer with the right of return. The allowance for doubtful accounts is estimated based on historical experience, receivable aging, current economic trends, and specific identification of certain receivables that are at risk of not being paid. Receivables, net consist of:

 

   At
September 30,
2007
  At
June 30,
2007
 
   (in millions) 

Receivables

  $7,511  $6,944 

Allowances for returns and doubtful accounts

   (1,031)  (1,102)
         

Receivables, net

  $6,480  $5,842 
         
   At December 31,
2007
  At June 30,
2007
 
   (in millions) 

Total Receivables

  $7,998  $6,279 

Less: Current receivables, net

   
           Current receivables   8,792   6,944 
           Allowances for returns and doubtful accounts   (1,303)  (1,102)
         

Current receivables, net

   7,489   5,842 

Total non-current receivables

  $509  $437 
         

Note 4—United Kingdom Redundancy Program

In fiscal 2005, the Company announced its intention to invest in new printing plants in the United Kingdom to take advantage of technological and market changes. As the new automated technology comes on line, the Company expects lower production costs and improved newspaper quality, including expanded color.

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

In conjunction with this project, during the second quarter of fiscal 2006, the Company received formal approval for the construction of the main new plant which was the last contingency, thereby committing the Company to a redundancy program (the “Program”) for certain production employees at the Company’s U.K. newspaper operations. The Program is in response to the reduced workforce that will be required as new printing presses and the new printing facilities eventually come on line. As a result of this Program, the Company expects to reduce its production workforce by approximately 65%, and as of September 30,December 31, 2007, over 700 employees in the United Kingdom had already accepted severance agreements and are expected to leave the Company during fiscal 2008.

In accordance with SFAS No. 88, “Employers’ Accounting for Settlements & Curtailments of Defined Benefit Pension Plans and for Termination Benefits,” the Company recorded a redundancy provision in connection with the Program. Changes in the program liabilities are as follows:

 

  For the three months
ended September 30,
   For the three months
ended December 31,
 For the six months
ended December 31,
 
      2007         2006           2007         2006         2007         2006     
  (in millions)   (in millions) (in millions) 

Beginning of period

  $127  $109   $99  $112  $127  $109 

Additions (included in Operating expenses)

   9   4    6   6   15   10 

Payments

   (39)  (1)   (16)  (1)  (55)  (2)

Foreign exchange movements

   2   —      (3)  6   (1)  6 
                    

End of period

  $99  $112   $86  $123  $86  $123 
                    

At September 30,December 31, 2007, all program liabilities were included in other current liabilities in the unaudited consolidated balance sheet. The Company expects to record an additional provision of approximately $6$3 million during the remainder of fiscal 2008 to record accretion on the redundancy provision and to recognize any retention bonuses earned. A majority of the Program’s costs are expected to be paid in cash to employees during the remainder of fiscal 2008.

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Note 5—Inventories, net

The Company’s inventories were comprised of the following:

 

   At
September 30,
2007
  At
June 30,
2007
 
   (in millions) 

Programming rights

  $2,743  $2,390 

Books, DVDs, paper and other merchandise

   533   497 

Filmed entertainment costs:

   

Films:

   

Released (including acquired film libraries)

   492   557 

Completed, not released

   32   —   

In production

   405   450 

In development or preproduction

   90   82 
         
   1,019   1,089 
         

Television productions:

   

Released (including acquired libraries)

   483   487 

Completed, not released

   —     13 

In production

   294   185 

In development or preproduction

   3   4 
         
   780   689 
         

Total filmed entertainment costs, less accumulated amortization(a)

   1,799   1,778 
         

Total inventories, net

   5,075   4,665 

Less: current portion of inventory, net(b)

   (2,422)  (2,039)
         

Total noncurrent inventories, net

  $2,653  $2,626 
         

   At
December 31,
2007
  At
June 30,
2007
 
   (in millions) 

Programming rights

  $3,069  $2,390 

Books, DVDs, paper and other merchandise

   543   497 

Filmed entertainment costs:

   

Films:

   

Released (including acquired film libraries)

   468   557 

Completed, not released

   13   —   

In production

   544   450 

In development or preproduction

   122   82 
         
   1,147   1,089 
         

Television productions:

   

Released (including acquired libraries)

   516   487 

Completed, not released

   —     13 

In production

   262   185 

In development or preproduction

   5   4 
         
   783   689 
         

Total filmed entertainment costs, less accumulated amortization(a)

   1,930   1,778 
         

Total inventories, net

   5,542   4,665 

Less: current portion of inventories, net(b)

   (2,719)  (2,039)
         

Total non-current inventories, net

  $2,823  $2,626 
         

(a)

Does not include $545$537 million and $553 million of net intangible film library costs as of September 30,December 31, 2007 and June 30, 2007, respectively, which are included in intangible assets subject to amortization in the consolidated balance sheets.

(b)

Current inventory as of September 30,December 31, 2007 and June 30, 2007 was comprised of programming rights ($1,9252,211 million and $1,578 million, respectively), books, DVDs, paper and other merchandise.

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Note 6—Investments

The Company’s investments were comprised of the following:

 

    Ownership
Percentage
 At
September 30,
2007
 At
June 30,
2007
      (in millions)

Equity investments:

    

The DIRECTV Group, Inc.(1)

 DBS operator principally in the U.S. 40%(2) $7,332 $7,224

Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc.(1)

 U.S. print and electronic guidance company 41%  768  717

British Sky Broadcasting Group plc(1)

 U.K. DBS operator 39%  1,222  1,193

China Network Systems(3)

 Taiwan cable TV operator various  15  242

Sky Network Television Ltd.  

 New Zealand media company 44%  323  314

National Geographic Channel (US)(4)

 U.S. cable channel 67%  —    316

Other equity method investments

  various  706  771

Other investments

  various  611  636
        
   $10,977 $11,413
        

    Ownership
Percentage
 At
December 31,
2007
 At
June 30,
2007
Equity investments:     (in millions)

The DIRECTV Group, Inc.(1)

 DBS operator principally in the U.S. 41%(2) $7,451 $7,224

Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc.(1)

 U.S. print and electronic guidance company 41%  769  717

British Sky Broadcasting Group plc(1)

 U.K. DBS operator 39%  1,068  1,193

China Network Systems(3)

 Taiwan cable TV operator various  14  242

Sky Network Television Ltd.

 New Zealand media company 44%  331  314

National Geographic Channel (US)(4)

 U.S. cable channel 67%  —    316

Other equity method investments

  various  719  771

Other investments

  various  607  636
        
   $10,959 $11,413
        

(1)

The market values of the Company’s investments in DIRECTV, Gemstar-TV Guide International Inc. (“Gemstar-TV Guide”) and British Sky Broadcasting Group plc (“BSkyB”) were $11,422$11,008 million, $1,218$841 million and $9,720$8,572 million, respectively, at September 30,December 31, 2007.

(2)

The Company’s ownership in DIRECTV increased from approximately 39% at June 30, 2007 to approximately 40%41% at September 30,December 31, 2007 due to DIRECTV’s share buyback program.

(3)

In July 2007, the Company and its joint venture partner sold a majority of the cable systems in Taiwan, in which the Company maintains a minority interest ownership, to a third party. (See Fiscal Year 2008 Disposals and Other Transactions below for further discussion)

(4)

Effective September 30, 2007, National Geographic Television agreed to give the Company control over National Geographic Channel (US) (“NGC US”) in which the Company has a 67% equity interest. Prior to September 30, 2007 the Company had 67% ownership but did not control this entity as it did not hold a majority on its board of directors, was unable to dictate operating decision making and it was not a variable interest entity. (See Fiscal Year 2008 Disposals and Other Transactions below for further discussion)

Fiscal Year 2008 Disposals and Other Transactions

In July 2007, the Company and its joint venture partner sold a majority of the cable systems in Taiwan, in which the Company maintains a minority interest ownership, to a third party. The Company recognized total consideration of $315 million of which $288 million was paid in cash and $27 million is receivable subject to final closing adjustments. The Company recognized a pre-tax gain of approximately $102 million on the sale included in Other, net in the unaudited consolidated statement of operations for the threesix months ended September 30,December 31, 2007. The Company and its joint venture partner intend to sell the remaining Taiwan cable systems in fiscal 2008.

Effective September 30, 2007, National Geographic Television agreed to give the Company control over NGC US in which the Company has a 67% equity interest. Accordingly, the results of NGC US arewere included in the Company’s unaudited consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2007. The operating results of NGC US will be included in the Company’s consolidated results of operations beginning October 1, 2007.

During the six months ended December 31, 2007, the Company effectively acquired an additional 27% stake in NGC Network (UK) Limited (“NGC UK”) in exchange for a 23% interest NGC Network International LLC (“NGC International”) and a 14% interest in NGC Network Latin America LLC (“NGC Latin America”). As a result of this transaction, the Company owns 52% of NGC International, NGC Latin America and NGC UK. In January 2007, the Company obtained operating control over NGC International and NGC Latin America

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 6—Investments (continued)

and has included their results in the Company’s consolidated results of operations since January 2007. The Company has included the operating results of NGC UK in the Company’s consolidated results in the six months ended December 31, 2007.

In December 2007, Macrovision Corporation agreed to acquire Gemstar-TV Guide in a cash and stock transaction. The closing of this transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including the approval of the shareholders of both Macrovision Corporation and Gemstar-TV Guide.

Fiscal Year 2007 Acquisitions and Disposals

In August 2006, the Company sold a portion of its equity investment in Phoenix Satellite Television Holdings Limited (“Phoenix”), representing a 19.9%, stake for approximately $164 million. The Company recognized a pre-tax gain of approximately $136 million on the sale included in Other, net in the unaudited consolidated statement of operations for the threesix months ended September 30,December 31, 2006. The Company retained a 17.6% stake in Phoenix, which is accounted for under the cost method of accounting and, accordingly, the carrying value is adjusted to market value each reporting period as required under SFAS No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities.”

In August 2006, the Company completed the sale of its investment in SKY Brasil, a Brazilian DTH platform, to DIRECTV for approximately $300 million in cash which was received in fiscal 2005 resulting in a total pre-tax gain of $426 million on the sale. Of this total gain, the Company recognized a pre-tax gain of approximately $261 million, which was included in Other, net in the consolidated statement of operations for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007. The Company deferred the remaining $165 million of its total gain due to its indirect retained interest through the Company’s ownership of DIRECTV. The Company will recognize the deferred portion of the gain on SKY Brasil upon disposition of its investment in DIRECTV or DIRECTV’s disposition of its investment in SKY Brasil. The total gain of $426 million was greater than the total consideration received due to the recognition of losses in excess of the carrying amount of the investment as the Company was committed to provide further financial support to SKY Brasil. As a result of the transaction, the Company was released from its SKY Brasil transponder lease guarantee and was released from its SKY Brasil credit agreement guarantee in January 2007.

In December 2006, the Company acquired 25% stakes in each of NGC Network International LLC (“NGC International”) and NGC Network (UK) Limited (“NGC UK”)UK joint ventures for a combined total of approximately $154 million. These two joint ventures produce and distribute the National Geographic Channel in various international markets. The transaction increased the Company’s interest in NGC International to 75% with National Geographic Television holding the remaining interest. In January 2007, National Geographic Television agreed to grant the Company operating control over these entities. Accordingly, the results of NGC International and NGC Latin America have been included in the Company’s consolidated results of operations since January 2007.

Summarized financial information for significant equity affiliates, determined in accordance with Regulation S-X, accounted for under the equity method is as follows:

 

  For the three months
ended September 30,
  For the three months
ended December 31,
  For the six months
ended December 31,
      2007          2006          2007         2006          2007          2006    
  (in millions)  (in millions)  (in millions)

Revenues

  $6,722  $5,674  $7,476  $6,379  $14,198  $12,053

Operating income

   855   965   928   1,005   1,783   1,970

Income from continuing operations

   488   587

Net income

   488   587

Income (loss) from continuing operations

   (49)  604   439   1,191

Net income (loss)

   (49)  604   439   1,191

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 7—Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

In accordance with SFAS No. 142, the Company’s intangible assets and related accumulated amortization are as follows:

 

  Weighted average
useful lives
 As of
December 31,

2007
 As of
June 30,
2007
    (in millions)

FCC licenses

 Indefinite-lived $6,910 $6,910

Distribution networks

 Indefinite-lived  754  750

Publishing rights & imprints

 Indefinite-lived  506  506

Newspaper mastheads(1)

 Indefinite-lived  2,437  918

Other(1)

 Indefinite-lived  1,428  1,355
       

Intangible assets not subject to amortization

   12,035  10,439

Film library, net of accumulated amortization of $86 million and $70 million as of December 31, 2007 and June 30, 2007, respectively

 20 years  537  553

Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $297 million and $222 million as of December 31, 2007 and June 30, 2007, respectively(1)

 3 – 25 years  1,426  711
       

Total intangibles, net

  $13,998 $11,703
       

(1)

Intangible balances increased primarily due to the acquisition of Dow Jones. (See Note 2—Acquisitions, Disposals and Other Transactions for further discussion of the purchase price allocation)

The changes in carrying value of goodwill, by segment, are as follows:

 

  Balance as of
June 30,
2007
  Additions  Adjustments Balance as of
September 30,
2007
  Balance as of
June 30, 2007
  Additions  Adjustments Balance as of
December 31,
2007
  (in millions)  (in millions)

Filmed Entertainment

  $1,071  $—    $—    $1,071  $1,071  $—    $—    $1,071

Television

   3,284   —     —     3,284   3,284   —     —     3,284

Cable Network Programming

   4,915   157   —     5,072   4,915   391   (44)  5,262

Direct Broadcast Satellite Television

   592   —     30   622   592   —     52   644

Magazines & Inserts

   257   —     —     257   257   —     —     257

Newspapers

   1,395   2   58   1,455

Newspapers and Information Services

   1,395   —     40   1,435

Book Publishing

   2   —     —     2   2   —     —     2

Other

   2,303   215   (89)  2,429   2,303   4,156   (120)  6,339
                        

Total goodwill

  $13,819  $374  $(1) $14,192  $13,819  $4,547  $(72) $18,294
                        

Goodwill balances increased $373$4,475 million during the threesix months ended September 30,December 31, 2007, primarily as a result of new acquisitions. The largestincreased goodwill balance increases arose from acquisitions at the Other segment (Photobucket)arose from the acquisitions of Dow Jones and Photobucket (See Note 2—Acquisitions, Disposals and Other Transactions.) The consolidation of NGC US beginning October 1, 2007 led to an increase in goodwill at the Cable segment (NGC US).(See Note 6—Investments.) Adjustments primarily relate to the finalization of purchase price allocations for previously announced acquisitions and foreign currency translation adjustments.

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 8—Borrowings

Bank Loans

The Company previously entered into two loan agreements with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (the “EBRD”) and had an outstanding balance of $154 million under these loans at June 30, 2006. In August 2006, the Company entered into a loan agreement with Raiffeisen Zentralbank Österreich AG (“RZB”) for $300 million and repaid all amounts outstanding under the Company'sCompany’s loan agreements with the EBRD. As of September 30,December 31, 2007, $106 million remains available for future use under the RZB loan. The RZB loan bears interest at LIBOR for a period equal to each one, three or six month interest period, plus a margin of up to 2.85% per annum dependent upon certain financial metrics. Principal amounts under the RZB loan are to be repaid in equal amounts every six months starting on the second anniversary of the date of the agreement until the fifth anniversary of the date of the agreement. The remaining available amount under the RZB loan may be drawn prior to the second anniversary of the date of the agreement. The loans are secured by certain guarantees, bank accounts and share pledges of the Company’s Russian operating subsidiaries.

Notes due 2037

In November 2007, the Company issued $1,250 million of 6.65% Senior Notes due 2037. The net proceeds of approximately $1,248 million will be used for general corporate purposes. These notes were issued under the Amended and Restated Indenture, dated as of March 24, 1993, as supplemented, among News America Incorporated, the guarantor named therein and The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation, as Trustee.

Note 9—Stockholders’ Equity

Rights of Holders of Common Stock

On August 8, 2006, the Company announced that, in accordance with the terms of the settlement of a lawsuit regarding the Company’s stockholder rights plan, the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) had approved the adoption of an Amended and Restated Rights Plan (the “Rights Plan”), extending the term of the Company’s original stockholder rights plan from November 7, 2007 to October 20, 2008. The Board has the right to extend the term for an additional year if the situation with Liberty has not, in the Board’s judgment, been resolved. The terms of the Rights Plan remain the same as the Company’s original stockholder rights plan in all other material respects. Pursuant to the terms of the settlement, on October 20, 2006, the Rights Plan was presented for a vote of the Company’s Class B stockholders at the Company’s 2006 annual meeting of stockholders and the stockholders voted in favor of its approval. On January 3, 2007, the Rights Plan was

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Note 9—Stockholders’ Equity (continued)

amended to allow for the grant of an irrevocable proxy to Liberty in connection with the Share Exchange Agreement. The Company has announced that it intends to redeem the rights issued under the Rights Plan if the transactions contemplated under the Share Exchange Agreement are consummated. (See Note 2—Acquisitions, Disposals and Other Transactions for further discussion of the Share Exchange Agreement)

Dividends

The Company declared a dividend of $0.06 per share of Class A Common Stock and $0.05 per share for the Company’s Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share (“of Class B Common Stock”)Stock in the three months ended September 30, 2007, which was paid in October 2007 to stockholders of record on September 12, 2007. The total aggregate dividend paid to stockholders in October 2007 was approximately $179 million.

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Repurchase Program

In June 2005, the Company announced a stock repurchase program under which the Company was authorized to acquire from time to time up to an aggregate of $3 billion in Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock. In May 2006, the Company announced that the Board had authorized increasing the total amount of the stock repurchase program to $6 billion. The remaining authorized amount under the Company’s stock repurchase program at September 30,December 31, 2007, excluding commissions, was approximately $2 billion.

Note 10—Equity Based Compensation

The following table summarizes the Company’s equity-based compensation transactions:

 

  For the three months
ended September 30,
  For the three months
ended December 31,
  For the six months
ended December 31,
  2007  2006      2007          2006          2007          2006    
  (in millions)  (in millions)  (in millions)

Equity-based compensation

  $38  $29  $34  $37  $72  $66
                  

Cash received from exercise of equity-based compensation

  $29  $59  $27  $100  $56  $159
                  

Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised

  $24  $31

Total intrinsic value of options exercised

  $18  $48  $42  $79
                  

At September 30,December 31, 2007, the Company’s total compensation cost related to non-vested stock options, restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and stock appreciation rights not yet recognized for all equity-based compensation plans was approximately $331$292 million, the majority of which is expected to be recognized over the next three fiscal years. Compensation expense on all equity-based awards is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of the entire award.

Stock options exercised during the threesix months ended September 30,December 31, 2007 and 2006 resulted in the Company’s issuance of approximately 2.34 million and 4.711 million shares of Class A Common Stock, respectively. The Company recognized a tax benefit on stock options exercised of $7$9 million and $11$26 million for the threesix months ended September 30,December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

During the threesix months ended September 30,December 31, 2007, the Company issued 5.15.6 million RSUs. These RSUs will be settled in shares of Class A Common Stock upon vesting, except for approximately 0.91 million RSUs that will be settled in cash. RSUs granted to executive directors are settled in cash and certain awards granted to

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Note 10—Equity Based Compensation (continued)

employees in certain foreign locations are settled in cash. At September 30,December 31, 2007 and June 30, 2007, the liability for cash-settled RSUs was $32$33 million and $47 million, respectively.

During the threesix months ended September 30,December 31, 2007 and 2006, approximately 5.05.3 million and 4.0 million RSUs vested, respectively, of which approximately 4.24.6 million and 3.4 million, respectively, were settled in Class A Common Stock, before statutory tax withholdings, and the remaining RSUs were settled in cash. The Company recognized a tax benefit on vested RSUs of $5 million and $4$7 million for the threesix months ended September 30,December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

Note 11—Commitments and Guarantees

Commitments

In July 2007, the Company entered into a contract with the Big Ten Conference for rights to telecast certain Big Ten Conference sporting events through fiscal 2032. The Company will pay approximately $2.8 billion over the term of the contract for these rights.

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In November 2007, the Company entered into a long-term supply contract pursuant to which the Company will purchase paper for its newspaper printing facilities in the United Kingdom from a third party. The contract requires the Company to purchase a minimum of $590 million of paper from this third party through fiscal 2015.

In December 2007, as part of the Dow Jones acquisition, the Company assumed approximately $994 million of commitments previously entered into by Dow Jones which included $247 million of indebtedness at December 31, 2007.

Other than previously disclosed in the notes to these unaudited consolidated financial statements, the Company’s commitments have not changed significantly from disclosures included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007 filed with the SEC on August 23, 2007.

Guarantees

TheOther than previously disclosed in the notes to these unaudited consolidated financial statements, the Company’s guarantees have not changed significantly from disclosures included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007 filed with the SEC on August 23, 2007.

Note 12—Contingencies

NDS

Echostar Litigation

On June 6, 2003, Echostar Communications Corporation, Echostar Satellite Corporation, Echostar Technologies Corporation and Nagrastar L.L.C. (collectively, “Echostar”) filed an action against NDS in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. Echostar filed an amended complaint on October 8, 2003, which purported to allege claims for violation of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (“DMCA”), the Communications Act of 1934 (“CA”), the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, California’s Unfair Competition statute and the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (“RICO”) statute. The complaint also purported to allege claims for civil conspiracy, misappropriation of trade secrets and interference with prospective business advantage. The complaint sought injunctive relief, unspecified compensatory and exemplary damages and restitution. On December 22, 2003, all of the claims were dismissed by the court, except for the DMCA, CA and unfair competition claims, and the court limited these claims to acts allegedly occurring within three years of the filing of Echostar’s original complaint.

After Echostar filed a second amended complaint, NDS filed a motion to dismiss this complaint on March 31, 2004. On July 21, 2004, the court issued an order directing Echostar to, among other things, file a third amended complaint within ten days correcting various deficiencies noted in the second amended complaint.

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Note 12—Contingencies (continued)

Echostar filed its third amended complaint on August 4, 2004. On August 6, 2004, the court ruled that NDS was free to file a motion to dismiss the third amended complaint, which NDS did on September 20, 2004. The hearing occurred on January 3, 2005. On February 28, 2005, the court issued an order treating NDS’s motion to dismiss as a motion for a more definite statement, granting the motion and giving Echostar until March 30, 2005 to file a fourth amended complaint correcting various deficiencies noted in the third amended complaint. On March 30, 2005, Echostar filed a fourth amended complaint, which NDS moved to dismiss. On July 27, 2005, the court granted in part and denied in part NDS’s motion to dismiss, and again limited Echostar’s surviving claims to acts allegedly occurring within three years of the filing of Echostar’s original complaint. NDS’s management believes these surviving claims are without merit and intends to vigorously defend against them.

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On October 24, 2005, NDS filed its Amended Answer with Counterclaims, alleging that Echostar misappropriated NDS’s trade secrets, violated the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act and engaged in unfair competition. On November 8, 2005, Echostar moved to dismiss NDS’s counterclaims for conversion and claim and delivery, arguing that these claims were preempted and time-barred. Echostar also moved for a more definite statement of NDS’s trade secret misappropriation claim. On December 8, 2005, the court granted in part and denied in part Echostar’s motion to dismiss and for a more definite statement, but granted NDS leave to file amended counterclaims. On December 13, 2005, NDS filed a Second Amended Answer with Counterclaims, which Echostar answered on December 27, 2005. NDS filed motions for summary judgment dismissing EchoStar’s claims and EchoStar filed a motion for summary judgment dismissing NDS’sNDS’ counterclaims on October 29, 2007. Those motions are currently scheduled to bewere heard on January 7, 2008. On January 16, 2008, the court granted the motions in December 2007.part and denied them in part. The court has set this case to go to trial in FebruaryApril 2008.

Sogecable Litigation

On July 25, 2003, Sogecable, S.A. and its subsidiary Canalsatellite Digital, S.L., Spanish satellite broadcasters and customers of Canal+ Technologies SA (together, “Sogecable”), filed an action against NDS in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. Sogecable filed an amended complaint on October 9, 2003, which purported to allege claims for violation of the DMCA and the federal RICO DMCA statute. The amended complaint also purported to allege claims for interference with contract and prospective business advantage. The complaint sought injunctive relief, unspecified compensatory and exemplary damages and restitution. On December 22, 2003, all of the claims were dismissed by the court. Sogecable filed a second amended complaint. NDS filed a motion to dismiss the second amended complaint on March 31, 2004. On August 4, 2004, the court issued an order dismissing the second amended complaint in its entirety. Sogecable had until October 4, 2004 to file a third amended complaint. On October 1, 2004, Sogecable notified the court that it would not be filing a third amended complaint, but would appeal the court’s entry of final judgment dismissing the suit to the United States Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. On December 14, 2006, the appellate court issued a memorandum decision reversing the district court’s dismissal. On January 26, 2007, NDS filed its petition for rehearing by an en banc panel of the United States Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. On February 21, 2007, the petition was denied. On June 11, 2007, NDS filed a petition for a Writ of Certiorari in the United States Supreme Court seeking reversal of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals’ decision. On August 27, 2007, NDS renewed its motion to dismiss the second amended complaint on grounds not previously decided. That motion is under submission. On October 1, 2007, the petition for a Writ of Certiorari was denied. On January 25, 2008, the court issued an order granting-in-part and denying-in-part the Company’s renewed motion to dismiss Sogecable’s second amended complaint. The court dismissed Sogecable’s claim for tortious interference with prospective economic advantage, but allowed Sogecable to proceed on its RICO and DMCA claims, as well as its claim for tortious interference with contract. The court has set June 2, 2009 as the trial date. NDS believes that Sogecable’s claims are without merit and will continue to vigorously defend itself in this matter.

Intermix

FIM Transaction

On August 26, 2005 and August 30, 2005, two purported class action lawsuits captioned, respectively, Ron Sheppard v. Richard Rosenblatt et. al., and John Friedmann v. Intermix Media, Inc. et al., were filed in the

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Note 12—Contingencies (continued)

California Superior Court, County of Los Angeles. Both lawsuits named as defendants all of the then incumbent members of the Intermix Board, including Mr. Rosenblatt, Intermix’s former Chief Executive Officer, and certain entities affiliated with VantagePoint Venture Partners (“VantagePoint”), a former major Intermix stockholder. The complaints alleged that, in pursuing the transaction whereby Intermix was to be acquired by FIM (the “FIM Transaction”) and approving the related merger agreement, the director defendants breached their

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fiduciary duties to Intermix stockholders by, among other things, engaging in self-dealing and failing to obtain the highest price reasonably available for Intermix and its stockholders. The complaints further alleged that the merger agreement resulted from a flawed process and that the defendants tailored the terms of the merger to advance their own interests. The FIM Transaction was consummated on September 30, 2005. The Friedmann and Sheppard lawsuits were subsequently consolidated and, on January 17, 2006, a consolidated amended complaint was filed (the “Intermix Media Shareholder Litigation”). The plaintiffs in the consolidated action are seekingsought various forms of declaratory relief, damages, disgorgement and fees and costs. On March 20, 2006, the court ordered that substantially identical claims asserted in a separate state action filed by Brad Greenspan, captioned Greenspan v. Intermix Media, Inc., et al., be severed and related to the Intermix Media Shareholder Litigation. The defendants filed demurrers seeking dismissal of all claims in the Intermix Media Shareholder Litigation and the severed Greenspan claims, which were heard by the Courtcourt on July 6, 2006. On October 6, 2006, the court sustained the demurrers without leave to amend. On December 13, 2006, the court dismissed the complaints and entered judgment for the defendants. On February 6, 2007,Greenspan and plaintiffs in the Intermix Media Shareholder Litigation plaintiffs filed a noticenotices of appeal. Plaintiff’sappeal, and subsequently filed respective opening brief was filedbriefs on appeal in October 26, 2007. Defendants intend to file opposing briefs on appeal. The Court of Appeal has not yet ruled on this request.heard argument in the matter.

In November 2005, plaintiff in a derivative action captioned LeBoyer v. Greenspan et al. pending against various former Intermix directors and officers in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, filed a First Amended Class and Derivative Complaint (the “Amended Complaint”). The original derivative action was filed in May 2003 and arose out of Intermix’s restatement of quarterly financial results for its fiscal year ended March 31, 2003. Until the filing of the Amended Complaint, the action had been stayed by mutual agreement of the parties since its inception. A substantially similar derivative action filed in Los Angeles Superior Court was dismissed based on inability of the plaintiffs to adequately plead demand futility. Plaintiff LeBoyer’s November 2005 Amended Complaint added various allegations and purported class claims arising out of the FIM Transaction which are substantially similar to those asserted in the Intermix Media Shareholder Litigation. The Amended Complaint also addsadded as defendants the individuals and entities named in the Intermix Media Shareholder Litigation that were not already defendants in the matter. On July 14, 2006, the parties filed their briefing on defendants’ motion to dismiss and stay the matter. On October 16, 2006, the court dismissed the fourth through seventh claims for relief, which related to the 2003 restatement, finding that the plaintiff is precluded from relitigating demand futility. At the same time, the court asked for further briefing regarding plaintiffs’ standing to assert derivative claims based on the standing issues andFIM Transaction, including for alleged violation of Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), the effect of the state judge’s dismissal of the claims in the Greenspan case and the Intermix Media Shareholder Litigation on the remaining claims, which include two direct class action claims related to allegedalleging breaches of fiduciary duty and other common law claims leading up to the FIM Transaction and a third claim under Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) asserted as a derivative claim and alleging material misstatements and omissions in the FIM Transaction proxy statement.Transaction. The parties filed the requested additional briefing in which the defendants requested that the court stay the federal court proceedingsdirect LeBoyer claims pending the resolution of any appeal in the Greenspan case and the Intermix Media Shareholder Litigation. The court vacated the scheduled November 27, 2006 hearing with respect to this briefing and took the matter under submission. The court denied the stay in anBy order dated May 22, 2007, the court granted defendants’ motion to dismiss the derivative claims arising out of the FIM Transaction, and asdenied the defendants’ request to stay the two remaining direct claims. As explained in more detail in the next paragraph, the court subsequently consolidated this case with the Brown v. Brewer action also pending before the court. On July 11, 2007, plaintiffs filed the consolidated first amended complaint. Pursuant to the stipulated briefing schedule ordered by the court, the parties’ joint brief on defendants’ motion to dismiss the consolidated complaint was filed on October 11, 2007 and taken under submission. By order dated January 17, 2008, the matter is scheduledcourt granted in part defendants’ motion to be heard on December 11, 2007.dismiss, with leave to amend, as explained in greater detail under the discussion of the consolidated case, Brown v. Brewer, below.

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Note 12—Contingencies (continued)

On June 14, 2006, a purported class action lawsuit, captioned Jim Brown v. Brett C. Brewer, et al., was filed against certain former Intermix directors and officers in the United States District Court for the Central District of

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California. The plaintiff assertsasserted claims for alleged violations of Section 14a of the Exchange Act and SEC Rule 14a-9, as well as control person liability under Section 20a. The plaintiff allegesalleged that certain defendants disseminated false and misleading definitive proxy statements on two occasions: one on December 30, 2003 in connection with the shareholder vote on January 29, 2004 on the election of directors and ratification of financing transactions with certain entities of VantagePoint, Venture Partners (“VantagePoint”), a former large stockholder of Intermix, and another on August 25, 2005 in connection with the shareholder vote on the FIM Transaction. The complaint namesnamed as defendants certain VantagePoint related entities and the members of the Intermix Board who were incumbent on the dates of the respective proxy statements. Intermix iswas not named as a defendant, but has certain indemnity obligations to the former officer and director defendants in connection with these claims and allegations. Intermix believes that the claims are without merit and expects that the individual defendants will vigorously defend themselves in the matter. On August 25, 2006, plaintiff amended his complaint to add certain investment banks (the “Investment Banks”) as defendants. Intermix has certain indemnity obligations to the Investment Banks as well. After conferring with defendants concerning deficiencies in the amended complaint pursuant to local rule and entering a stipulation with defendants regarding a briefing schedule, plaintiffPlaintiff amended his complaint again on September 27, 2006. On October 19, 2006, defendants filed motions to dismiss all claims in the Second Amended Complaint. These motions were scheduled to be heard on February 12, 2007. On February 9, 2007, the case was transferred from Judge Walter to Judge George H. King, the judge assigned to the LeBoyer action on the grounds that it raises substantially related questions of law and fact as LeBoyer, and would entail substantial duplication of labor if heard by different judges. Judge King took the February 26, 2007 hearing date for the motions to dismiss off-calendar. On May 22,June 11, 2007, Judge King ordered a combined status conference with the LeBoyer action occur on June 11, 2007 at which he ordered the Brown case be consolidated with the LeBoyer action. Judge King also stated that he was not going to consider the pending motions to dismiss but ratheraction, ordered plaintiffs’ counsel to file a consolidated first amended complaint, setting forth the causes of action in the LeBoyer and Brown matters and further ordered the parties to file a joint brief regarding dismissal ofon defendants’ contemplated motion to dismiss the consolidated first amended complaint. On July 11, 2007, plaintiffs filed the consolidated first amended complaint. Pursuant to the stipulated briefing schedule ordered by the court, the parties’ joint brief on defendants’ motion to dismiss was filed on October 11, 2007 and was taken under submission without a hearing. By order dated January 17, 2008, Judge King granted defendants’ motion to dismiss the matter is scheduled2003 proxy claims (concerning VantagePoint transactions) and the 2005 proxy claims (concerning the FIM Transaction), as well as a claim against the VantagePoint entities alleging unjust enrichment. The court found it unnecessary to be heardrule on December 11, 2007.dismissal of the remaining claims, which are related to the 2005 FIM Transaction, because the dismissal disposed of those claims. The court granted plaintiffs until February 8, 2008 to file an amended complaint. Intermix believes that the claims are without merit and expects that the individual defendants will continue to vigorously defend themselves in the matter.

Greenspan Litigation

On February 10, 2005, Brad Greenspan, Intermix’s former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer who was asked to resign as CEO and was removed as Chairman in the fall of 2003, filed a derivative complaint in Los Angeles Superior Court against Intermix, various of its former directors and officers, VantagePoint and certain of VantagePoint’s principals and affiliates. The complaint alleged claims of libel and fraud against Intermix and various of its then current and former officers and directors, claims of intentional interference with contract and prospective economic advantage, unfair competition and fraud against VantagePoint and certain of its affiliates and principals and claims alleging that Intermix’s forecasts of profitability leading up to its January 2004 annual stockholder meeting and associated proxy contest waged by Mr. Greenspan were false and misleading. These claims generally related to Intermix’s decision to consummate its Series C Preferred Stock financing with VantagePoint in October 2003, Mr. Greenspan’s contemporaneous separation from Intermix and matters arising during the proxy contest. The complaint also alleged that Intermix’s acquisition of the assets of a company known as Supernation LLC (“Supernation”) in July 2004 involved breaches of fiduciary duty. Mr. Greenspan sought remittance of compensation received by the various then current and former Intermix director and officer

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Note 12—Contingencies (continued)

defendants, unspecified damages, removal of various Intermix directors, disgorgement of unspecified profits, reformation of the Supernation purchase, punitive damages, fees and costs, injunctive relief and other remedies. Intermix and the other defendants filed motions challenging the validity of the action and Mr. Greenspan’s ability to pursue it. Mr. Greenspan voluntarily dismissed this action in October 2005.

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Prior to dismissing his derivative lawsuit, in August 2005, Mr. Greenspan filed another complaint in Los Angeles Superior Court against the same defendants. The complaint, for breach of fiduciary duty, included substantially the same allegations made by Mr. Greenspan in the above-referenced lawsuit. Mr. Greenspan further alleged that defendants’ actions have, with the FIM Transaction, culminated in the loss of Mr. Greenspan’s interest in Intermix for a cash payment allegedly below its value. On October 31, 2005, the defendants filed motions seeking dismissal of the lawsuit on the grounds that the complaint failsfailed to state any cause of action. Instead of responding to these motions, Mr. Greenspan filed an amended complaint on February 21, 2006, in which Mr. Greenspan omitted certain previously named defendants and added two other former directors as defendants. In this amended complaint, Mr. Greenspan assertsasserted seven causes of action. The first two causes of action, for intentional interference with prospective economic advantage and violation of California’s Business Professions Code section 17200, generally related to Intermix’s decision to consummate its Series C Preferred Stock financing with VantagePoint in October 2003 and allege that Mr. Greenspan was “forced” to resign. The third through sixth causes of action assertasserted various claims for breach of fiduciary duty related to the FIM Transaction and substantially mirrormirrored the allegations in the Intermix Media Shareholder Litigation. By Order of March 20, 2006, the court ordered that Mr. Greenspan’s claims based on the FIM Transaction be severed from the rest of his complaint and coordinated with the claims asserted in the Intermix Media Shareholder Litigation. TheMr. Greenspan asserted a seventh cause of action is asserted against Intermix for indemnification. In his amended complaint, Mr. Greenspan seekssought compensatory and consequential damages, punitive damages, fees and costs, injunctive relief and other remedies. Motions to dismiss the first six causes of action were filed and, on October 6, 2006, granted without leave to amend. On November 21, 2006, Mr. Greenspan dismissed with prejudice the seventh cause of action for indemnity, which was the only remaining claim and his sole cause of action against Intermix. On January 24, 2007, Mr. Greenspan filed a notice of appeal of the court’s October 6, 2006 ruling. Mr. Greenspan’s opening brief in the Court of Appeal was filed on October 23, 2007.

News America Marketing

On January 18, 2006, Valassis Communications, Inc. (“Valassis”) filed a complaint against News America Incorporated, News America Marketing FSI, LLC and News America Marketing Services, In-Store, LLC (collectively “News America”) in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. Valassis alleges that News America possesses monopoly power in a claimed in-store advertising and promotions market (the “in-store market”) and has used that power to gain an unfair advantage over Valassis in a purported market for coupons distributed by free standing inserts (“FSIs”). Valassis alleges that News America is attempting to monopolize the purported FSI market by leveraging its alleged monopoly power in the purported in-store market, thereby allegedly violating Section 2 of the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890, as amended (the “Sherman Act”). Valassis further alleges that News America has unlawfully bundled the sale of in-store marketing products with the sale of FSIs and that such bundling constitutes unlawful tying in violation of Sections 1 and 3 of the Sherman Act. Additionally, Valassis alleges that News America is predatorily pricing its FSI products in violation of Section 2 of the Sherman Act. Valassis also asserts that News America violated various state antitrust statutes and has tortiously interfered with Valassis’ actual or expected business relationships. Valassis’ complaint seeks injunctive relief, damages, fees and costs. On April 20, 2006, News America moved to dismiss Valassis’ complaint in its entirety for failure to state a cause of action. On September 28, 2006, the Magistrate Judge issued a Report and Recommendation granting the motion. On October 16, 2006, Valassis filed an Amended Complaint,

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Note 12—Contingencies (continued)

alleging the same causes of action. On November 17, 2006, News America answered the three federal antitrust claims and moved to dismiss the remaining nine state law claims. On March 23, 2007, the Court granted News America’s motion and dismissed the nine state law claims. On April 12, 2007, the Court entered a Scheduling Order that provides that all discovery will be closed on or before October 12, 2007 and sets a jury trial date for February 5, 2008. News America expects that a new Scheduling Order will be entered and the parties are in ongoing negotiations regarding discovery.

On March 9, 2007, Valassis filed a two-count complaint in Michigan state court against News America. That complaint, which is based on the same factual allegations as the federal complaint discussed above, alleges that News America has tortiously interfered with Valassis’ business relationships and that News America has unfairly competed with Valassis. Valassis’ Michigan complaint seeks injunctive relief, damages, fees and costs. On May 4, 2007, News America filed a motion to dismiss or, in the alternative stay, that complaint. On August 14, 2007, the Court denied the motion.

On March 12, 2007, Valassis filed a three-count complaint in California state court against News America. That complaint, which is based on the same factual allegations as the federal complaint discussed above, alleges that News America has violated the Cartwright Act (California’s state antitrust law) by unlawfully tying its FSI products to its in-store products, has violated California’s Unfair Practices Act by predatorily pricing its FSI products, and has unfairly competed with Valassis. Valassis’ California complaint seeks injunctive relief, damages, fees and costs. On May 4, 2007, News America filed a motion to dismiss or, in the alternative stay, that complaint. On June 28, 2007, the court issued a tentative ruling denying the motion and reassigned the case to the Complex Litigation Program. On July 19, 2007, the court denied the motion.

News America believes that all of the claims in each of the complaints filed by Valassis are without merit and it intends to defend itself vigorously in the three matters.

Other

Other than previously disclosed in the notes to these unaudited consolidated financial statements, the Company is party to several other purchase and sale arrangements which become exercisable over the next ten years by the Company or the counter-party to the agreement. In the next twelve months, none of these arrangements that become exercisable are material. Purchase arrangements that are exercisable by the counter-party to the agreement, and that are outside the sole control of the Company are accounted for in accordance with EITF D-98. Accordingly, the fair values of such purchase arrangements are classified in Minority interest liabilities.

The Company experiences routine litigation in the normal course of its business. The Company believes that none of its pending litigation will have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial condition, future results of operations or liquidity.

The Company’s operations are subject to tax in various domestic and international jurisdictions and as a matter of course, the Company is regularly audited by federal, state and foreign tax authorities. The Company believes it has appropriately accrued for the expected outcome of all pending tax matters and does not currently anticipate that the ultimate resolution of pending tax matters will have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial condition, future results of operations or liquidity.

Note 13—Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits

The Company sponsors non-contributory pension plans and retiree health and life insurance benefit plans covering specific groups of employees. The benefits payable for the non-contributory pension plans are based

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Note 13—Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits (continued)

 

primarily on a formula factoring both an employee’s years of service and pay near retirement. Participant employees are vested in the plans after five years of service. The Company’s policy for all pension plans is to fund amounts, at a minimum, in accordance with statutory requirements. During the threesix months ended September 30,December 31, 2007 and 2006, the Company made discretionary contributions of $6$12 million and $4$18 million, respectively, to its pension plans. Plan assets consist principally of common stocks, marketable bonds and government securities. The retiree health and life insurance benefit plans offer medical and/or life insurance to certain full-time employees and eligible dependents that retire after fulfilling age and service requirements.

The components of net periodic benefit costs were as follows:

 

  Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits   Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits 
  For the three months ended September 30,   For the three months ended December 31, 
    2007       2006       2007         2006       2007 2006 2007 2006 
  (in millions)   (in millions) 

Service cost benefits earned during the period

  $21  $17  $1  $1   $21  $17  $1  $1 

Interest costs on projected benefit obligations

   35   30   2   2 

Interest costs on projected benefit obligation

   35   30   2   2 

Expected return on plan assets

   (40)  (33)  —     —      (40)  (33)  —     —   

Amortization of deferred losses

   4   5   1   1    4   4   —     —   

Other

   —     —     (2)  (2)   —     —     (1)  (1)
                          

Net periodic costs

  $20  $19  $2  $2   $20  $18  $2  $2 
                          
  For the six months ended December 31, 
  2007 2006 2007 2006 
  (in millions) 

Service cost benefits earned during the period

  $42  $34  $2  $2 

Interest costs on projected benefit obligation

   70   60   4   4 

Expected return on plan assets

   (80)  (66)  —     —   

Amortization of deferred losses

   8   9   1   1 

Other

   —     —     (3)  (3)
             

Net periodic costs

  $40  $37  $4  $4 
             

Note 14—Segment Information

The Company is a diversified entertainment company, which manages and reports its businesses in eight segments:

 

Filmed Entertainment,, which principally consists of the production and acquisition of live-action and animated motion pictures for distribution and licensing in all formats in all entertainment media worldwide, and the production and licensing of television programming worldwide.

 

Television, which principally consists of the operation of 35 full power broadcast television stations, including nine duopolies, in the United States (of these stations, 25 are affiliated with the FOX network and ten are affiliated with the MyNetworkTV network), the broadcasting of network programming in the United States and the development, production and broadcasting of television programming in Asia.

 

Cable Network Programming, which principally consists of the production and licensing of programming distributed through cable television systems and direct broadcast satellite operators primarily in the United States.

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Direct Broadcast Satellite Television, which principally consists of the distribution of premium programming services via satellite and broadband directly to subscribers in Italy.

 

Magazines and Inserts, which principally consists of the publication of free-standing inserts, which are promotional booklets containing consumer offers distributed through insertion in local Sunday newspapers in the United States, and the provision of in-store marketing products and services, primarily to consumer packaged goods manufacturers in the United States and Canada.

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 14—Segment Information (continued)

 

Newspapers and Information Services, which principally consists of the publication of four national newspapers in the United Kingdom, the publication of approximately 145 newspapers in Australia, and the publication of a mass circulation, metropolitan morning newspaper and a national newspaper (with international editions) in the United States.States and the provision of information services.

 

Book Publishing, which principally consists of the publication of English language books throughout the world.

 

Other, which includes NDS, a company engaged in the business of supplying open end-to-end digital technology and services to digital pay-television platform operators and content providers; News Outdoor Group, an advertising business which offers display advertising in outdoor locations primarily throughout Russia and Eastern Europe; and FIM,Fox Interactive Media (“FIM”), which operates the Company’s Internet activities.

The Company’s operating segments have been determined in accordance with the Company’s internal management structure, which is organized based on operating activities. The Company evaluates performance based upon several factors, of which the primary financial measures are segment operatingOperating income (loss) and Operating income (loss) before depreciation and amortization.

Operating income (loss) before depreciation and amortization, defined as operating income (loss) plus depreciation and amortization and the amortization of cable distribution investments, eliminates the variable effect across all business segments of non-cash depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense includes the depreciation of property and equipment, as well as amortization of finite-lived intangible assets. Amortization of cable distribution investments represents a reduction against revenues over the term of a carriage arrangement and, as such, it is excluded from Operating income (loss) before depreciation and amortization. Operating income (loss) before depreciation and amortization is a non-GAAP measure and it should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, operating income (loss), net income (loss), cash flow and other measures of financial performance reported in accordance with GAAP. Operating income (loss) before depreciation and amortization does not reflect cash available to fund requirements, and the items excluded from Operating income (loss) before depreciation and amortization, such as depreciation and amortization, are significant components in assessing the Company’s financial performance.

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Management believes that Operating income (loss) before depreciation and amortization is an appropriate measure for evaluating the operating performance of the Company’s business segments. Operating income (loss) before depreciation and amortization provides management, investors and equity analysts a measure to analyze operating performance of each business segment and enterprise value against historical and competitors’ data, although historical results, including Operating income (loss) before depreciation and amortization, may not be indicative of future results (as operating performance is highly contingent on many factors, including customer tastes and preferences).

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 14—Segment Information (continued)

 

  For the three months
ended September 30,
   For the three months
ended December 31,
 For the six months
ended December 31,
 
      2007         2006           2007         2006         2007       2006     
  (in millions)   (in millions) (in millions) 

Revenues:

        

Filmed Entertainment

  $1,582  $1,213   $1,976  $2,265  $3,558  $3,478 

Television

   1,145   1,103    1,530   1,600   2,675   2,703 

Cable Network Programming

   1,102   889    1,236   920   2,338   1,809 

Direct Broadcast Satellite Television

   747   622    955   764   1,702   1,386 

Magazines and Inserts

   264   275    273   266   537   541 

Newspapers

   1,244   1,049 

Newspapers and Information Services

   1,416   1,118   2,660   2,167 

Book Publishing

   330   368    406   393   736   761 

Other

   653   395    798   518   1,451   913 
                    

Total revenues

  $7,067  $5,914   $8,590  $7,844  $15,657  $13,758 
                    

Operating income (loss):

        

Filmed Entertainment

  $362  $239   $403  $470  $765  $709 

Television

   183   192    245   112   428   304 

Cable Network Programming

   289   249    337   275   626   524 

Direct Broadcast Satellite Television

   48   (13)   62   (12)  110   (25)

Magazines and Inserts

   79   78    85   74   164   152 

Newspapers

   93   124 

Newspapers and Information Services

   196   170   289   294 

Book Publishing

   36   55    67   54   103   109 

Other

   (43)  (73)   23   1   (20)  (72)
                    

Total operating income

   1,047   851   $1,418  $1,144  $2,465  $1,995 
                    

Equity earnings of affiliates

   246   243 

Equity (losses) earnings of affiliates

   (50)  249   196   492 

Interest expense, net

   (213)  (200)   (245)  (212)  (458)  (412)

Interest income

   100   75    78   72   178   147 

Other, net

   —     428    187   18   187   446 
                    

Income before income tax expense and minority interest in subsidiaries

   1,180   1,397    1,388   1,271   2,568   2,668 

Income tax expense

   (414)  (538)   (520)  (431)  (934)  (969)

Minority interest in subsidiaries, net of tax

   (34)  (16)   (36)  (18)  (70)  (34)
                    

Net income

  $732  $843   $832  $822  $1,564  $1,665 
                    

Equity (losses) earnings of affiliates, Interest expense, net, Equity earnings of affiliates, Interest income, Other, net, Income tax expense and Minority interest in subsidiaries net of tax are not allocated to segments as they are not under the control of segment management.

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Intersegment revenues, generated primarily by the Filmed Entertainment segment, of approximately $172$253 million and $197$239 million for the three months ended September 30,December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and of approximately $425 million and $436 million for the six months ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, have been eliminated within the Filmed Entertainment segment. Intersegment operating profit generated primarily by the Filmed Entertainment segment of approximately $29$12 million and $12$24 million for the three months ended September 30,December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively and of approximately $41 million and $36 million for the six months ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, have been eliminated within the Filmed Entertainment segment.

   For the three months ended December 31, 2007
   Operating
income
  Depreciation
and amortization
  Amortization
of cable
distribution
investments
  Operating
income before
depreciation and
amortization
   (in millions)

Filmed Entertainment

  $403  $21  $—    $424

Television

   245   25   —     270

Cable Network Programming

   337   19   23   379

Direct Broadcast Satellite Television

   62   54   —     116

Magazines and Inserts

   85   2   —     87

Newspapers and Information Services

   196   105   —     301

Book Publishing

   67   2   —     69

Other

   23   59   —     82
                

Total

  $1,418  $287  $23  $1,728
                
   For the three months ended December 31, 2006
   Operating
income
(loss)
  Depreciation
and amortization
  Amortization
of cable
distribution
investments
  Operating
income before
depreciation and
amortization
   (in millions)

Filmed Entertainment

  $470  $20  $—    $490

Television

   112   23   —     135

Cable Network Programming

   275   14   16   305

Direct Broadcast Satellite Television

   (12)  43   —     31

Magazines and Inserts

   74   2   —     76

Newspapers and Information Services

   170   67   —     237

Book Publishing

   54   2   —     56

Other

   1   35   —     36
                

Total

  $1,144  $206  $16  $1,366
                

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 14—Segment Information (continued)

   For the three months ended September 30, 2007
   Operating income
(loss)
  Depreciation and
amortization
  Amortization of
cable distribution
investments
  Operating income
before depreciation
and amortization
   (in millions)

Filmed Entertainment

  $362  $21  $—    $383

Television

   183   24   —     207

Cable Network Programming

   289   20   12   321

Direct Broadcast Satellite Television

   48   50   —     98

Magazines and Inserts

   79   2   —     81

Newspapers

   93   139   —     232

Book Publishing

   36   2   —     38

Other

   (43)  64   —     21
                

Total

  $1,047  $322  $12  $1,381
                

  For the three months ended September 30, 2006   For the six months ended December 31, 2007 
  Operating income
(loss)
 Depreciation and
amortization
  Amortization of
cable distribution
investments
  Operating income
(loss) before
depreciation and
amortization
   Operating
income
(loss)
 Depreciation
and amortization
  Amortization
of cable
distribution
investments
  Operating
income before
depreciation
and amortization
 
  (in millions)   (in millions) 

Filmed Entertainment

  $239  $20  $—    $259   $765  $42  $—    $807 

Television

   192   22   —     214    428   49   —     477 

Cable Network Programming

   249   13   23   285    626   39   35   700 

Direct Broadcast Satellite Television

   (13)  48   —     35    110   104   —     214 

Magazines and Inserts

   78   2   —     80    164   4   —     168 

Newspapers

   124   68   —     192 

Newspapers and Information Services

   289   244   —     533 

Book Publishing

   55   2   —     57    103   4   —     107 

Other

   (73)  32   —     (41)   (20)  123   —     103 
                          

Total

  $851  $207  $23  $1,081   $2,465  $609  $35  $3,109 
                          
  For the six months ended December 31, 2006 
  Operating
income
(loss)
 Depreciation
and amortization
  Amortization
of cable
distribution
investments
  Operating
income (loss)
before
depreciation
and amortization
 
  (in millions) 

Filmed Entertainment

  $709  $40  $—    $749 

Television

   304   45   —     349 

Cable Network Programming

   524   27   39   590 

Direct Broadcast Satellite Television

   (25)  91   —     66 

Magazines and Inserts

   152   4   —     156 

Newspapers and Information Services

   294   135   —     429 

Book Publishing

   109   4   —     113 

Other

   (72)  67   —     (5)
             

Total

  $1,995  $413  $39  $2,447 
             

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 14—Segment Information (continued)

   At
December 31,
2007
  At
June 30,
2007
   (in millions)

Total assets:

    

Filmed Entertainment

  $7,645  $6,738

Television

   13,543   12,974

Cable Network Programming

   9,595   8,523

Direct Broadcast Satellite Television

   2,367   2,030

Magazines and Inserts

   1,284   1,278

Newspapers and Information Services(1)

   8,169   5,343

Book Publishing

   1,737   1,566

Other(1)

   13,617   12,478

Investments

   10,959   11,413
        

Total assets

  $68,916  $62,343
        

Goodwill and Intangible assets, net:

    

Filmed Entertainment

  $1,963  $1,979

Television

   10,195   10,195

Cable Network Programming

   5,950   5,517

Direct Broadcast Satellite Television

   646   595

Magazines and Inserts

   1,011   1,009

Newspapers and Information Services(1)

   3,980   2,422

Book Publishing

   508   508

Other(1)

   8,039   3,297
        

Total goodwill and intangibles, net

  $32,292  $25,522
        

 

   At
September 30,
2007
  At
June 30,
2007
   (in millions)

Total assets:

    

Filmed Entertainment

  $6,987  $6,738

Television

   13,125   12,974

Cable Network Programming

   9,155   8,523

Direct Broadcast Satellite Television

   2,279   2,030

Magazines and Inserts

   1,299   1,278

Newspapers

   5,175   5,343

Book Publishing

��  1,932   1,566

Other

   13,563   12,478

Investments

   10,977   11,413
        

Total assets

  $64,492  $62,343
        

Goodwill and Intangible assets, net:

    

Filmed Entertainment

  $1,971  $1,979

Television

   10,195   10,195

Cable Network Programming

   5,691   5,517

Direct Broadcast Satellite Television

   625   595

Magazines and Inserts

   1,010   1,009

Newspapers

   2,521   2,422

Book Publishing

   508   508

Other

   3,516   3,297
        

Total goodwill and intangibles, net

  $26,037  $25,522
        

(1)

See Note 2—Acquisitions, Disposals and Other Transactions

Note 15—Earnings Per Share

Prior to fiscal 2008, earnings per share (“EPS”) was computed individually for the Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock and net income was apportioned to both Class A stockholders and Class B stockholders on a ratio of 1.2 to 1, respectively, in accordance with the rights of the stockholders as described in the Company’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation. In order to give effect to this apportionment when determining EPS, the weighted average Class A Common Stock was increased by 20% (the “Adjusted Class”) and was then compared to the sum of the weighted average Class B Common Stock and the weighted average Adjusted Class. The resulting percentage was then applied to the Net income to determine the apportionment for the Class A stockholders, with the balance attributable to the Class B stockholders. Subsequent to the final fiscal 2007 dividend, shares of Class A Common Stock no longer carry the right to a greater dividend than shares of Class B Common Stock and, therefore, Net Incomeincome is allocated equally to Class A and Class B stockholders. Accordingly, since the apportionment of earnings has been eliminated as required by the Company’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the Company has presented the earnings of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock as a single class for fiscal 2008.

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The following tables set forth the computation of basic and diluted EPS under SFAS No. 128, “Earnings per Share”:

   For the three
months ended
December 31,
2007
  For the six
months ended
December 31,
2007
 
   (in millions, except per share data) 

Net income available to stockholders—basic

  $832  $1,564 

Other

   —     (1)
         

Net income available to stockholders—diluted

  $832  $1,563 
         

Weighted average shares—basic

   3,126   3,126 

Shares issuable under equity based compensation plans and other

   13   13 
         

Weighted average shares—diluted

   3,139   3,139 

Earnings per share:

   

Net income—basic

  $0.27  $0.50 

Net income—diluted

  $0.27  $0.50 
   For the three
months ended
December 31,
2006
  For the six
months ended
December 31,
2006
 
   (in millions) 

Net income available to stockholders—basic

  $822  $1,665 

Other

   (2)  (2)
         

Net income available to stockholders—diluted

  $820  $1,663 
         

   For the three months ended
December 31, 2006
  For the six months ended
December 31, 2006
   Class A  Class B  Total  Class A  Class B  Total
   (in millions, except per share data)

Allocation of income—basic:

            

Net income available to stockholders

  $597  $225  $822  $1,208  $457  $1,665

Weighted average shares used in income allocation

   2,614   987   3,601   2,610   987   3,597

Allocation of income—diluted:

            

Net income available to stockholders

  $597  $223  $820  $1,210  $453  $1,663

Weighted average shares used in income allocation

   2,640   987   3,627   2,634   987   3,621

Weighted average shares—basic

   2,178   987   3,165   2,175   987   3,162

Shares issuable under equity based compensation plans

   22   —     22   20   —     20
                        

Weighted average shares—diluted

   2,200   987   3,187   2,195   987   3,182

Earnings per share:

            

Net income—basic

  $0.27  $0.23    $0.56  $0.46  

Net income—diluted

  $0.27  $0.23    $0.55  $0.46  

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 15—Earnings Per Share (continued)

   

For the three months

ended September 30, 2007

 
   (in millions, except per share data) 

Net income available to stockholders—basic

  $732 

Other

   (1)
     

Net income available to stockholders—diluted

  $731 
     

Weighted average shares—basic

   3,127 

Shares issuable under equity based compensation plans

   12 
     

Weighted average shares—diluted

   3,139 

Earnings per share:

  

Net income—basic

  $0.23 

Net income—diluted

  $0.23 
   For the three months ended
September 30, 2006
 
   (in millions) 

Net income available to stockholders—basic

  $843 

Other

   —   
     

Net income available to stockholders—diluted

  $843 
     

   For the three months ended
September 30, 2006
       Class A          Class B          Total    
   (in millions, except per share data)

Allocation of income—basic:

      

Net income available to stockholders

  $611  $232  $843

Weighted average shares used in income allocation

   2,606   987   3,593

Allocation of income—diluted:

      

Net income available to stockholders

  $613  $230  $843

Weighted average shares used in income allocation

   2,630   987   3,617

Weighted average shares—basic

   2,172   987   3,159

Shares issuable under equity based compensation plans

   19   —     19
            

Weighted average shares—diluted

   2,191   987   3,178

Earnings per share:

      

Net income—basic

  $0.28  $0.23  

Net income—diluted

  $0.28  $0.23  

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 16—Additional Financial Information

Supplemental Cash Flows Information

 

   For the three months ended
September 30,
 
       2007          2006     
   (in millions) 

Supplemental cash flows information:

   

Cash paid for income taxes

  $(261) $(96)

Cash paid for interest

   (177)  (132)

Sale of other investments

   8   6 

Purchase of other investments

   (5)  (23)

Supplemental information on businesses acquired:

   

Fair value of assets acquired

   383   140 

Cash acquired

   42   —   

Less: Liabilities assumed

   (81)  (5)

Minority interest acquired

   (63)  22 

Cash paid

   (281)  (157)
         

Fair value of stock consideration

  $—    $—   
         

   For the six months ended
December 31,
 
       2007          2006     
   (in millions) 

Supplemental cash flow information:

   

Cash paid for income taxes

  $(1,001) $(545)

Cash paid for interest

   (412)  (369)

Sale of other investments

   8   61 

Purchase of other investments

   (48)  (358)

Supplemental information on businesses acquired:

   

Fair value of assets acquired

   8,204   307 

Cash acquired

   94   14 

Less: Liabilities assumed

   (2,427)  (40)

Minority interest acquired

   (213)  25 

Cash paid

   (5,462)  (306)
         

Fair value of equity instruments

   31   —   

Issuance of subsidiary common units

   165   —   
         

Fair value of equity instruments

  $196  $—   
         

Other, net consisted of the following:

 

   For the three months ended
September 30,
 
       2007          2006     
   (in millions) 

Gain on the sale of China Network Systems(a)

  $102  $—   

Gain on the sale of Sky Brasil(a)

   —     261 

Gain on the sale of Phoenix Satellite Television Holdings
Limited(a)

   —     136 

Change in fair value of exchangeable securities(b)

   (87)  38 

Other

   (15)  (7)
         

Total Other, net

  $—    $428 
         

   For the three months ended
December 31,
  For the six months ended
December 31,
 
       2007          2006          2007          2006     
   (in millions)  (in millions) 

Gain on the sale of China Netcom(a)

  $—    $—    $102  $—   

Gain on the sale of SKY Brasil(a)

   —     —     —     261 

Gain on the sale of Phoenix(a)

   —     —     —     136 

Change in fair value of exchangeable securities(b)

   189   30   102   68 

Other

   (2)  (12)  (17)  (19)
                 

Total Other, net

  $187  $18  $187  $446 
                 

(a)

(a)

See Note 6—Investments

(b)

(b)

The Company has certain outstanding exchangeable debt securities which contain embedded derivatives. Pursuant to SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” these embedded derivatives require separate accounting and, as such, changes in their fair value are recognized in Other, net. A significant variance in the price of underlying stock could have a material impact on the operating results of the Company.

Note 17—Subsequent Events

In January 2008, the Company acquired a 14.6% stake in Premiere AG, the leading German pay-TV operator, for cash consideration of $422 million.

In January 2008, the Company retired its $350 million 6.625% Senior Notes due 2008.

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

A dividend of $0.06 per share of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock has been declared and is payable on April 16, 2008. The record date for determining dividend entitlements is March 12, 2008.

Note 18—Supplemental Guarantor Information

In May 2007, News America Incorporated (“NAI”), a subsidiary of the Company, terminated its existing $1.75 billion Revolving Credit Agreement and entered into a new credit agreement (the “New Credit Agreement”), among NAI as Borrower, the Company as Parent Guarantor, the lenders named therein (the “Lenders”), Citibank, N.A. as Administrative Agent and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as Syndication Agent. The New Credit Agreement provides a $2.25 billion unsecured revolving credit facility with a sub-limit of $600

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 17—Supplemental Guarantor Information (continued)

million available for the issuance of letters of credit. NAI may request an increase in the amount of the credit facility up to a maximum amount of $2.5 billion. Borrowings are in U.S. dollars only, while letters of credit are issuable in U.S. dollars or Euros. The significant terms of the agreement include the requirement that the Company maintain specific leveraging ratios and limitations on secured indebtedness. The Company pays a facility fee of 0.10%0.08% regardless of facility usage. The Company pays interest for borrowings and letters of credit at LIBOR plus 0.30%0.27%. The Company pays an additional fee of 0.05% if borrowings under the facility exceed 50% of the committed facility. The interest and fees are based on the Company’s current debt rating. The maturity date is in May 2012, however, NAI may request that the Lenders’ commitments be renewed for up to two additional one year periods.

The Parent Guarantor presently guarantees the senior public indebtedness of NAI and the guarantee is full and unconditional. The supplemental condensed consolidating financial information of the Parent Guarantor should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements included herein.

In accordance with rules and regulations of the SEC the Company uses the equity method to account for the results of all of the non-guarantor subsidiaries, representing substantially all of the Company’s consolidated results of operations, excluding certain intercompany eliminations.

The following condensed consolidating financial statements present the results of operations, financial position and cash flows of NAI, News Corporation and the subsidiaries of News Corporation and the eliminations and reclassifications necessary to arrive at the information for the Company on a consolidated basis.

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 17—Supplemental Guarantor Information (continued)

 

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations

For the threesix months ended September 30,December 31, 2007

(in millions)

 

  News America
Incorporated
 News
Corporation
 Non-Guarantor Reclassifications
and Eliminations
 News
Corporation
and
Subsidiaries
   News America
Incorporated
 News
Corporation
 Non-Guarantor Reclassifications
and Eliminations
   News
Corporation
and Subsidiaries
 

Revenues

  $2  $—    $7,065  $—    $7,067   $4  $—    $15,653  $—     $15,657 

Expenses

   65   —     5,955   —     6,020    150   —     13,042   —      13,192 
                                 

Operating income (loss)

   (63)  —     1,110   —     1,047    (146)  —     2,611   —      2,465 
                                 

Other Income (Expense):

             

Equity earnings of affiliates

   1   —     245   —     246    2   —     194   —      196 

Interest expense, net

   (626)  (105)  (249)  767   (213)   (1,286)  (214)  (338)  1,380    (458)

Interest income

   349   —     518   (767)  100    516   —     1,042   (1,380)   178 

Earnings (losses) from subsidiary entities

   389   863   —     (1,252)  —      845   1,832   —     (2,677)   —   

Other, net

   (101)  (26)  127   —     —      127   (54)  114   —      187 
                                 

Income (loss) before income tax expense and minority interest in subsidiaries

   (51)  732   1,751   (1,252)  1,180    58   1,564   3,623   (2,677)   2,568 

Income tax (expense) benefit

   18   —     (615)  183   (414)   (21)  —     (1,317)  404    (934)

Minority interest in subsidiaries, net of tax

   —     —     (34)  —     (34)   —     —     (70)  —      (70)
                                 

Net income (loss)

  $(33) $732  $1,102  $(1,069) $732   $37  $1,564  $2,236  $(2,273)  $1,564 
                                 

See notes to supplemental guarantor information

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 17—Supplemental Guarantor Information (continued)

 

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations

For the threesix months ended September 30,December 31, 2006

(in millions)

 

  News America
Incorporated
 News
Corporation
 Non-Guarantor Reclassifications
and Eliminations
 News
Corporation
and
Subsidiaries
   News America
Incorporated
 News
Corporation
 Non-Guarantor Reclassifications
and Eliminations
   News
Corporation
and Subsidiaries
 

Revenues

  $1  $—    $5,913  $—    $5,914   $3  $—    $13,755  $—     $13,758 

Expenses

   68   —     4,995   —     5,063    135   —     11,628   —      11,763 
                                 

Operating income (loss)

   (67)  —     918   —     851    (132)  —     2,127   —      1,995 
                                 

Other Income (Expense):

             

Equity earnings of affiliates

   1   —     242   —     243    2   —     490   —      492 

Interest expense, net

   (511)  (72)  (31)  414   (200)   (1,043)  (148)  (38)  817    (412)

Interest income

   56   —     433   (414)  75    108   —     856   (817)   147 

Earnings (losses) from subsidiary entities

   361   936   1,287   (2,584)  —      746   1,859   2,364   (4,969)   —   

Other, net

   30   (21)  419   —     428    61   (46)  431   —      446 
                                 

Income (loss) before income tax expense and minority interest in subsidiaries

   (130)  843   3,268   (2,584)  1,397    (258)  1,665   6,230   (4,969)   2,668 

Income tax (expense) benefit

   50   —     (1,259)  671   (538)   94   —     (2,262)  1,199    (969)

Minority interest in subsidiaries, net of tax

    —     (16)  —     (16)   —     —     (34)  —      (34)
                                 

Net income (loss)

  $(80) $843  $1,993  $(1,913) $843   $(164) $1,665  $3,934  $(3,770)  $1,665 
                                 

See notes to supplemental guarantor information

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 17—Supplemental Guarantor Information (continued)

 

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet

At September 30,December 31, 2007

(in millions)

 

  News America
Incorporated
  News
Corporation
  Non-Guarantor Reclassifications
and Eliminations
 News
Corporation
and
Subsidiaries
 News
America
Incorporated
 News
Corporation
 Non-Guarantor Reclassifications
and Eliminations
 News
Corporation
and

Subsidiaries

Assets:

             

Current assets:

             

Cash and cash equivalents

  $5,934  $—    $2,184  $—    $8,118 $1,294 $—   $2,201  $—    $3,495

Receivables, net

   40   —     6,440   —     6,480  41  —    7,448   —     7,489

Inventories, net

   —     —     2,422   —     2,422  —    —    2,719   —     2,719

Other

   17   —     517   —     534  12  —    613   —     625
                           

Total current assets

   5,991   —     11,563   —     17,554  1,347  —    12,981   —     14,328
                           

Non-current assets:

             

Receivables

   1   —     498   —     499  1  —    508   —     509

Inventories, net

   —     —     2,653   —     2,653  —    —    2,823   —     2,823

Property, plant and equipment, net

   83   —     5,756   —     5,839  83  —    6,502   —     6,585

Intangible assets, net

   —     —     11,845   —     11,845  —    —    13,998   —     13,998

Goodwill

   —     —     14,192   —     14,192  —    —    18,294   —     18,294

Other

   133   1   799   —     933  137  —    1,283   —     1,420

Investments

             

Investments in associated companies and other investments

   95   5   10,877   —     10,977  90  46  10,823   —     10,959

Intragroup investments

   39,425   39,082   —     (78,507)  —    39,902  45,299  —     (85,201)  —  
                           

Total investments

   39,520   39,087   10,877   (78,507)  10,977  39,992  45,345  10,823   (85,201)  10,959
                           

Total non-current assets

   39,737   39,088   46,620   (78,507)  46,938

TOTAL ASSETS

 $41,560 $45,345 $67,212  $(85,201) $68,916
                           

Total assets

  $45,728  $39,088  $58,183  $(78,507) $64,492
               

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

        

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

     

Current liabilities:

             

Borrowings

  $350  $—    $35  $—    $385 $550 $—   $286  $—    $836

Other current liabilities

   3   179   8,252   —     8,434  3  —    8,739   —     8,742
                           

Total current liabilities

   353   179   8,287   —     8,819  553  —    9,025   —     9,578

Non-current liabilities:

             

Borrowings

   11,982   —     166   —     12,148  13,047  —    166   —     13,213

Other non-current liabilities

   610   2   8,584   —     9,196  480  1  9,853   —     10,334

Intercompany

   15,417   5,266   (20,683)  —     —    10,600  10,592  (21,192)  —     —  

Minority interest in subsidiaries

   —     —     688   —     688  —    —    1,039   —     1,039

Stockholders’ Equity

   17,366   33,641   61,141   (78,507)  33,641  16,880  34,752  68,321   (85,201)  34,752
                           

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

  $45,728  $39,088  $58,183  $(78,507) $64,492

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 $41,560 $45,345 $67,212  $(85,201) $68,916
                           

See notes to supplemental guarantor information

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 17—Supplemental Guarantor Information (continued)

 

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet

At June 30, 2007

(in millions)

 

  News America
Incorporated
  News
Corporation
  Non-Guarantor Reclassifications
and Eliminations
 News
Corporation
and
Subsidiaries
 News America
Incorporated
 News
Corporation
 Non-Guarantor Reclassifications
and Eliminations
 News
Corporation
and
Subsidiaries

Assets:

             

Current assets:

             

Cash and cash equivalents

  $5,450  $—    $2,204  $—    $7,654 $5,450 $—   $2,204  $—    $7,654

Receivables, net

   24   —     5,818   —     5,842  24  —    5,818   —     5,842

Inventories, net

   —     —     2,039   —     2,039  —    —    2,039   —     2,039

Other

   9   —     362   —     371  9  —    362   —     371
                           

Total current assets

   5,483   —     10,423   —     15,906  5,483  —    10,423   —     15,906
                           

Non-current assets:

             

Receivables

   1   —     436   —     437  1  —    436   —     437

Inventories, net

   —     —     2,626   —     2,626  —    —    2,626   —     2,626

Property, plant and equipment, net

   82   —     5,535   —     5,617  82  —    5,535   —     5,617

Intangible assets, net

   —     —     11,703   —     11,703  —    —    11,703   —     11,703

Goodwill

   —     —     13,819   —     13,819  —    —    13,819   —     13,819

Other

   131   1   690   —     822  131  1  690   —     822

Investments

             

Investments in associated companies and other investments

   108   5   11,300   —     11,413  108  5  11,300   —     11,413

Intragroup investments

   39,028   38,045   —     (77,073)  —    39,028  38,045  —     (77,073)  —  
                           

Total investments

   39,136   38,050   11,300   (77,073)  11,413  39,136  38,050  11,300   (77,073)  11,413
                           

Total non-current assets

   39,350   38,051   46,109   (77,073)  46,437
                     —  

Total assets

  $44,833  $38,051  $56,532  $(77,073) $62,343

TOTAL ASSETS

 $44,833 $38,051 $56,532  $(77,073) $62,343
                           

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

        

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

     

Current liabilities:

             

Borrowings

  $350  $—    $5  $—    $355 $350 $—   $5  $—    $355

Other current liabilities

   1   —     7,138   —     7,139  1  —    7,138   —     7,139
                           

Total current liabilities

   351   —     7,143   —     7,494  351  —    7,143   —     7,494

Non-current liabilities:

             

Borrowings

   11,960   —     187   —     12,147  11,960  —    187   —     12,147

Other non-current liabilities

   519   2   8,697   —     9,218  519  2  8,697   —     9,218

Intercompany

   14,608   5,127   (19,735)  —     —    14,608  5,127  (19,735)  —     —  

Minority interest in subsidiaries

   —     —     562   —     562  —    —    562   —     562

Stockholders’ Equity

   17,395   32,922   59,678   (77,073)  32,922  17,395  32,922  59,678   (77,073)  32,922
                           

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

  $44,833  $38,051  $56,532  $(77,073) $62,343

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 $44,833 $38,051 $56,532  $(77,073) $62,343
                           

See notes to supplemental guarantor information

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 17—Supplemental Guarantor Information (continued)

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

For the threesix months ended September 30,December 31, 2007

(in millions)

 

  News America
Incorporated
 News
Corporation
 Non-Guarantor Reclassifications
and Eliminations
  News
Corporation
and
Subsidiaries
  News America
Incorporated
 News
Corporation
 Non-Guarantor Reclassifications
and Eliminations
 News
Corporation
and

Subsidiaries
 

Operating activities:

            

Net cash provided by operating activities

  $488  $83  $232  $—    $803 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

 $(5,397) $241  $5,895  $—   $739 
                              

Investing and other activities:

            

Property, plant and equipment

   (4)  —     (339)  —     (343)  (7)  —     (692)  —    (699)

Investments

   —     —     (271)  —     (271)  —     —     (5,429)  —    (5,429)

Proceeds from sale of investments and non-current assets

   —     —     289   —     289   —     —     299   —    299 
                              

Net cash used in investing activities

   (4)  —     (321)  —     (325)  (7)  —     (5,822)  —    (5,829)
                              

Financing activities:

            

Borrowings

   —     —     10   —     10   1,248   —     14   —    1,262 

Repayment of borrowings

   —     —     —     —     —     —     —     (132)  —    (132)

Issuance of shares

   —     39   —     —     39   —     59   7   —    66 

Repurchase of shares

   —     (122)  —     —     (122)  —     (122)  —     —    (122)

Dividends paid

   —     —     (2)  —     (2)  —     (178)  (8)  —    (186)

Other, net

   —     —     22   —     22   —     —     22   —    22 
                              

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

   —     (83)  30   —     (53)  1,248   (241)  (97)  —    910 
                              

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

   484   —     (59)  —     425 

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

  (4,156)  —     (24)  —    (4,180)

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

   5,450   —     2,204   —     7,654   5,450   —     2,204   —    7,654 

Exchange movement on opening cash balance

   —     —     39   —     39   —     —     21   —    21 
                              

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

  $5,934  $—    $2,184  $—    $8,118  $1,294  $—    $2,201  $—   $3,495 
                              

See notes to supplemental guarantor information

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 17—Supplemental Guarantor Information (continued)

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

For the threesix months ended September 30,December 31, 2006

(in millions)

 

 News America
Incorporated
 News
Corporation
 Non-Guarantor Reclassifications
and Eliminations
  News
Corporation
and
Subsidiaries
  News America
Incorporated
 News
Corporation
 Non-Guarantor Reclassifications
and Eliminations
 News
Corporation
and

Subsidiaries
 

Operating activities:

           

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

 $379  $(16) $353  $—    $716  $(384) $68  $1,021  $—   $705 
                             

Investing activities:

      

Investing and other activities:

     

Property, plant and equipment

  (1)  —     (281)  —     (282)  (2)  —     (606)  —    (608)

Investments

  (12)  —     (173)  —     (185)  (14)  —     (756)  —    (770)

Proceeds from sale of investments and non-current assets

  5   —     283   —     288   5   —     353   —    358 
                             

Net cash used in investing activities

  (8)  —     (171)  —     (179)  (11)  —     (1,009)  —    (1,020)
                             

Financing activities:

           

Borrowings

  —     —     145   —     145   —     —     160   —    160 

Repayment of borrowings

  —     —     (190)  —     (190)  —     —     (190)  —    (190)

Issuance of shares

  —     58   10   —     68   —     154   19   —    173 

Repurchase of shares

  —     (59)  —     —     (59)  —     (59)  —     —    (59)

Dividends paid

  —     —     (3)  —     (3)  —     (180)  (5)  —    (185)
                             

Net cash used in financing activities

  —     (1)  (38)  —     (39)  —     (85)  (16)  —    (101)
                             

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

  371   (17)  144   —     498 

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

  (395)  (17)  (4)  —    (416)

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

  4,094   17   1,672   —     5,783   4,094   17   1,672   —    5,783 

Exchange movement on opening cash balance

  —     —     11   —     11   —     —     71   —    71 
                             

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

 $4,465  $—    $1,827  $—    $6,292  $3,699  $—    $1,739  $—   $5,438 
                             

See notes to supplemental guarantor information

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 17—Supplemental Guarantor Information (continued)

 

Notes to Supplemental Guarantor Information

(1) Investments in the Company’s subsidiaries, for purposes of the supplemental consolidating presentation, are accounted for by their parent companies under the equity method of accounting whereby earnings of subsidiaries are reflected in the parent company’s investment account and earnings.

(1)Investments in the Company’s subsidiaries, for purposes of the supplemental consolidating presentation, are accounted for by their parent companies under the equity method of accounting whereby earnings of subsidiaries are reflected in the parent company’s investment account and earnings.

(2) The guarantees of NAI’s senior public indebtedness constitute senior indebtedness of the Company, and rank pari passu with all present and future senior indebtedness of the Company. Because the factual basis underlying the obligations created pursuant to the various facilities and other obligations constituting senior indebtedness of the Company differ, it is not possible to predict how a court in bankruptcy would accord priorities among the obligations of the Company.

(2)The guarantees of NAI’s senior public indebtedness constitute senior indebtedness of the Company, and rank pari passu with all present and future senior indebtedness of the Company. Because the factual basis underlying the obligations created pursuant to the various facilities and other obligations constituting senior indebtedness of the Company differ, it is not possible to predict how a court in bankruptcy would accord priorities among the obligations of the Company.

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

ITEM 2.MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

This document contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The words “expect,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “predict,” “believe” and similar expressions and variations thereof are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements appear in a number of places in this document and include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of News Corporation, its directors or its officers with respect to, among other things, trends affecting News Corporation’s financial condition or results of operations. The readers of this document are cautioned that any forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties. More information regarding these risks, uncertainties and other factors is set forth under the Item 1A “Risk Factors,” in this report. News Corporation does not ordinarily make projections of its future operating results and undertakes no obligation (and expressly disclaims any obligation) to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Readers should carefully review other documents filed by News Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). This section should be read together with the unaudited consolidated financial statements of News Corporation and related notes set forth elsewhere herein.

INTRODUCTION

Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is intended to help provide an understanding of News Corporation and its subsidiaries’ (together “News Corporation” or the “Company”) financial condition, changes in financial condition and results of operations. This discussion is organized as follows:

 

  

Overview of the Company’s Business—This section provides a general description of the Company’s businesses, as well as recent developments that have occurred to date during fiscal 2008 that the Company believes are important in understanding the results of operations and financial condition or to disclose known trends.

 

  

Results of Operations—This section provides an analysis of the Company’s results of operations for the three and six months ended September 30,December 31, 2007 and 2006. This analysis is presented on both a consolidated and a segment basis. In addition, a brief description is provided of significant transactions and events that have an impact on the comparability of the results being analyzed.

 

  

Liquidity and Capital Resources—This section provides an analysis of the Company’s cash flows for the threesix months ended September 30,December 31, 2007 and 2006. Included in the discussion of outstanding debt is a discussion of the amount of financial capacity available to fund the Company’s future commitments and obligations, as well as a discussion of other financing arrangements.

OVERVIEW OF THE COMPANY’S BUSINESS

The Company is a diversified entertainment company, which manages and reports its businesses in eight segments:

 

Filmed Entertainment, which principally consists of the production and acquisition of live-action and animated motion pictures for distribution and licensing in all formats in all entertainment media worldwide, and the production and licensing of television programming worldwide.

 

Television, which principally consists of the operation of 35 full power broadcast television stations, including nine duopolies, in the United States (of these stations, 25 are affiliated with the FOX network and ten are affiliated with the MyNetworkTV network), the broadcasting of network programming in the United States and the development, production and broadcasting of television programming in Asia.

Cable Network Programming, which principally consists of the licensing and production of programming distributed through cable television systems and direct broadcast satellite (“DBS”) operators primarily in the United States.

 

Direct Broadcast Satellite Television, which principally consists of the distribution of premium programming services via satellite and broadband directly to subscribers in Italy.

 

Magazines and Inserts, which principally consists of the publication of free-standing inserts, which are promotional booklets containing consumer offers distributed through insertion in local Sunday newspapers in the United States, and the provision of in-store marketing products and services, primarily to consumer packaged goods manufacturers, in the United States and Canada.

 

Newspapers and Information Services, which principally consists of the publication of four national newspapers in the United Kingdom, the publication of approximately 145 newspapers in Australia, and the publication of a mass circulation, metropolitan morning newspaper and a national newspaper (with international editions) in the United States.States and the provision of information services.

 

Book Publishing, which principally consists of the publication of English language books throughout the world.

 

Other, which includes NDS Group Plc (“NDS”), a company engaged in the business of supplying open end-to-end digital technology and services to digital pay-television platform operators and content providers; News Outdoor Group (“News Outdoor”), an advertising business which offers display advertising primarily in outdoor locations throughout Russia and Eastern Europe; and Fox Interactive Media (“FIM”), which operates the Company’s Internet activities.

Filmed Entertainment

The Filmed Entertainment segment derives revenue from the production and distribution of feature motion pictures and television series. In general, motion pictures produced or acquired for distribution by the Company are exhibited in U.S. and foreign theaters, followed by DVDs, pay-per-view television, premium subscription television, network television and basic cable and syndicated television exploitation. Television series initially produced for the networks and first-run syndication are generally licensed to domestic and international markets concurrently and subsequently released in seasonal DVD box sets. More successful series are later syndicated in domestic markets. The length of the revenue cycle for television series will vary depending on the number of seasons a series remains in active production and, therefore, may cause fluctuations in operating results. License fees received for television exhibition (including international and U.S. premium television and basic cable television) are recorded as revenue in the period that licensed films or programs are available for such exhibition, which may cause substantial fluctuations in operating results.

The revenues and operating results of the Filmed Entertainment segment are significantly affected by the timing of the Company’s theatrical and home entertainment releases, the number of its original and returning television series that are aired by television networks and the number of its television series in off-network syndication. Theatrical and home entertainment release dates are determined by several factors, including timing of vacation and holiday periods and competition in the marketplace. The distribution windows for the release of motion pictures theatrically and in various home entertainment formats have been compressing and may continue to change in the future. A reduction in timing between theatrical and home entertainment releases could adversely affect the revenues and operating results of this segment.

The Company enters into arrangements with third parties to co-produce many of its theatrical productions. These arrangements, which are referred to as co-financing arrangements, take various forms. The parties to these arrangements include studio and non-studio entities, both domestic and foreign. In several of these agreements, other parties control certain distribution rights. The Filmed Entertainment segment records the amounts received for the sale of an economic interest as a reduction of the cost of the film, as the investor assumes full risk for that portion of the film asset acquired in these transactions. The substance of these arrangements is that the third-party

investors own an interest in the film and, therefore, receive a participation based on the respective third-party investor’s interest in the profits or losses incurred on the film. Consistent with the requirements of Statement of Position 00-2, “Accounting by Producers or Distributors of Films,” the estimate of a third-party investor’s interest in profits or losses incurred on the film is determined by reference to the ratio of actual revenue earned to date in relation to total estimated ultimate revenues.

Operating costs incurred by the Filmed Entertainment segment include: exploitation costs, primarily theatrical prints and advertising and home entertainment marketing and manufacturing costs; amortization of capitalized production, overhead and interest costs; and participations and talent residuals. Selling, general and administrative expenses include salaries, employee benefits, rent and other routine overhead.

The Company competes with other major studios, such as Disney, Paramount, Sony, Universal, Warner Bros., and independent film producers in the production and distribution of motion pictures and DVDs. As a producer and distributor of television programming, the Company competes with studios, television production groups and independent producers and syndicators, such as Disney, Sony, NBC Universal, Warner Bros. and Paramount Television, to sell programming both domestically and internationally. The Company also competes to obtain creative talent and story properties which are essential to the success of the Company’s filmed entertainment businesses.

Television and Cable Network Programming

The Company’s U.S. television operations primarily consist of the FOX Broadcasting Company (“FOX”), MyNetworkTV, Inc. (“MyNetworkTV”) and the 35 television stations owned by the Company. The Company’s international television operations consist primarily of STAR Group Limited (“STAR”).

The U.S. television broadcast environment is highly competitive and the primary methods of competition are the development and acquisition of popular programming. Program success is measured by ratings, which are an indication of market acceptance, with the top rated programs commanding the highest advertising prices. FOX and MyNetworkTV compete for audience, advertising revenues and programming with other broadcast networks, such as CBS, ABC, NBC and The CW, independent television stations, cable program services, as well as other media, including DBS services, DVDs, video games, print and the Internet. In addition, FOX and MyNetworkTV compete with the other broadcast networks to secure affiliations with independently owned television stations in markets across the country.

The television stations owned by the Company compete for programming, audiences and advertising revenues with other television stations and cable networks in their respective coverage areas and, in some cases, with respect to programming, with other station groups, and in the case of advertising revenues, with other local and national media. The competitive position of the television stations owned by the Company is largely influenced by the strength of FOX and MyNetworkTV, and, in particular, the prime-time viewership of the respective network, as well as the quality of the syndicated programs and local news programs in time periods not programmed by FOX and MyNetworkTV.

In Asia, STAR'sSTAR’s channels are primarily distributed to local cable operators or other pay-television platform operators for distribution to their subscribers. STAR derives its revenue from the sale of advertising time and affiliate fees from these pay-television platform operators.

The Company’s U.S. cable network operations primarily consist of the Fox News Channel (“Fox News”), the FX Network (“FX”) and the Regional Sports Networks (“RSNs”). The Company’s international cable networks consist of the Fox International Channels (“FIC”) with operations primarily in Latin America and Europe.

Generally, the Company’s cable networks, which target various demographics, derive a majority of their revenues from monthly affiliate fees received from cable television systems and DBS operators based on the number of its subscribers. Affiliate fee revenues are net of the amortization of cable distribution investments (capitalized fees paid to a cable operator or DBS operator to facilitate the launch of a cable network). The Company defers the cable distribution investments and amortizes the amounts on a straight-line basis over the contract period. Cable television and DBS are currently the predominant means of distribution of the Company’s program services in the United States. Internationally, distribution technology varies region by region.

The Company’s cable networks compete for carriage on cable television systems, DBS systems and other distribution systems with other program services, as well as other uses of bandwidth, such as retransmission of free over-the-air broadcast networks, telephony and data transmission. A primary focus of competition is for distribution of the Company’s cable network channels that are not already distributed by particular cable television or DBS systems. For such program services, distributors make decisions on the use of bandwidth based on various considerations, including amounts paid by programmers for launches, subscription fees payable by distributors and appeal to the distributors’ subscribers.

The most significant operating expenses of the Television segment and the Cable Network Programming segment are the acquisition and production expenses related to programming and the production and technical expenses related to operating the technical facilities of the broadcaster or cable network. Other expenses include promotional expenses related to improving the market visibility and awareness of the broadcaster or cable network and its programming. Additional expenses include sales commissions paid to the in-house advertising sales force, as well as salaries, employee benefits, rent and other routine overhead expenses.

The Company has several multi-year sports rights agreements, including contracts with the National Football League (“NFL”) through fiscal 2012, contracts with the National Association of Stock Car Auto Racing (“NASCAR”) for certain races and exclusive rights for certain ancillary content through calendar year 2014, a contract with Major League Baseball (“MLB”) through calendar year 2013 and a contract for the Bowl Championship Series (“BCS”) through fiscal year 2010. These contracts provide the Company with the broadcast rights to certain national sporting events during their respective terms. The costs of these sports contracts are charged to expense based on the ratio of each period’s operating profit to estimated total operating profit for the remaining term of the contract.

The profitability of these long-term national sports contracts is based on the Company’s best estimates at September 30,December 31, 2007 of directly attributable revenues and costs; such estimates may change in the future and such changes may be significant. Should revenues decline from estimates applied at September 30,December 31, 2007, a loss may be recorded. Should revenues improve as compared to estimated revenues, the Company may have an improved operating profit related to the contract, which may be recognized over the estimated remaining contract term.

While the Company seeks to ensure compliance with federal indecency laws and related Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) regulations, the definition of “indecency” is subject to interpretation and there can be no assurance that the Company will not broadcast programming that is ultimately determined by the FCC to violate the prohibition against indecency. Such programming could subject the Company to regulatory review or investigation, fines, adverse publicity or other sanctions, including the loss of station licenses.

Direct Broadcast Satellite Television

The DBS segment’s operations consist of SKY Italia, which provides basic and premium programming services via satellite and broadband directly to subscribers in Italy. SKY Italia derives revenues principally from subscriber fees. The Company believes that the quality and variety of video, audio and interactive programming, quality of picture, access to service, customer service and price are the key elements for gaining and maintaining market share. SKY Italia’s competition includes companies that offer video, audio, interactive programming,

telephony, data and other information and entertainment services, including broadband Internet providers, digital terrestrial transmission (“DTT”) services, wireless companies and companies that are developing new media technologies.

In fiscal 2005, competitive DTT services in Italy expanded to include pay-per-view offering of soccer games previously available exclusively on the SKY Italia platform. The Company is currently prohibited from providing a pay DTT service under regulations of the European Commission. In addition, the Italian government previously offered a subsidy on the purchase of DTT decoders.

SKY Italia’s most significant operating expenses are those related to the acquisition of entertainment, movie and sports programming and subscribers and the production and technical expenses related to operating the technical facilities. Operating expenses related to sports programming are generally recognized over the course of the related sport season, which may cause fluctuations in the operating results of this segment.

Magazines and Inserts

The Magazine and Inserts segment derives revenues from the sale of advertising space in free-standing inserts, in-store marketing products and services, promotional advertising, subscriptions and production fees. Adverse changes in general market conditions for advertising may affect revenues. Operating expenses for the Magazine and Inserts segment include paper costs, promotional, printing, retail commissions, distribution and production costs. Selling, general and administrative expenses include salaries, employee benefits, rent and other routine overhead.

Newspapers and Information Services

The Newspapers and Information Services segment derives revenues primarily from the sale of advertising space and the sale of published newspapers. Adverse changes in general market conditions for advertising may affect revenues. Circulation revenues can be greatly affected by changes in competitors’ cover prices and by promotionpromotional activities.

Operating expenses for the Newspapers and Information Services segment include costs related to newsprint, ink, printing costs and editorial content. Selling, general and administrative expenses include salaries, employee benefits, rent and other routine overhead.

The Newspapers and Information Services segment’s advertising volume, circulation and the price of newsprint are the key uncertainties whose fluctuations can have a material effect on the Company’s operating results and cash flow. The Company has to anticipate the level of advertising volume, circulation and newsprint prices in managing its businesses to maximize operating profit during expanding and contracting economic cycles. Newsprint is a basic commodity and its price is sensitive to the balance of supply and demand. The Company’s costs and expenses are affected by the cyclical increases and decreases in the price of newsprint. The newspapers published by the Company compete for readership and advertising with local and national newspapers and also compete with television, radio, Internet and other media alternatives in their respective locales. Competition for newspaper circulation is based on the news and editorial content of the newspaper, service, cover price and, from time to time, various promotions. The success of the newspapers published by the Company in competing with other newspapers and media for advertising depends upon advertisers’ judgments as to the most effective use of their advertising budgets. Competition for advertising among newspapers is based upon circulation levels, readership levels, reader demographics, advertising rates and advertiser results. Such judgments are based on factors such as cost, availability of alternative media, circulation and quality of readership demographics.

In recent years, the newspaper industry has experienced difficulty increasing circulation volume and revenues. This is due to, among other factors, increased competition from new media formats and sources, and shifting preferences among some consumers to receive all or a portion of their news from sources other than a newspaper.

The Newspapers and Information Services segment also derives revenue from the provision of subscriber-based information services and the licensing of products and content to third-parties. Losses in the number of subscribers for these information services may affect revenues. The information services provided by the

Company also compete with other media sources (free and subscription-based) and new media formats. Licensing revenues depend on new and renewed customer contracts, and may be affected if the Company is unable to generate new licensing business or if existing customers renew for lesser amounts, terminate early or forego renewal.

The Company believes that competition from new media formats and sources and shifting consumer preferences will continue to pose challenges within the newspaper industry.Newspapers and Information Services industries.

Book Publishing

The Book Publishing segment derives revenues from the sale of general and children’s books in the United States and internationally. The revenues and operating results of the Book Publishing segment are significantly affected by the timing of the Company’s releases and the number of its books in the marketplace. The book publishing marketplace is subject to increased periods of demand in the summer months and during the end-of-year holiday season. Each book is a separate and distinct product, and its financial success depends upon many factors, including public acceptance.

Major new title releases represent a significant portion of the Company’s sales throughout the fiscal year. Consumer books are generally sold on a fully returnable basis, resulting in the return of unsold books. In the domestic and international markets, the Company is subject to global trends and local economic conditions.

Operating expenses for the Book Publishing segment include costs related to paper, printing, authors’ royalties, editorial, art and design expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses include promotional expenses, salaries, employee benefits, rent and other routine overhead.

The book publishing business operates in a highly competitive market and has been affected by consolidation trends. This market continues to change in response to technological innovations and other factors. Recent years have brought a number of significant mergers among the leading book publishers. There have also been a number of mergers completed in the distribution channel. The Company must compete with other publishers such as Random House, Penguin Group, Simon & Schuster and Hachette Livre, for the rights to works by well-known authors and public personalities. Although the Company currently has strong positions in each of its book publishing markets, further consolidation in the industry could place the Company at a competitive disadvantage with respect to scale and resources.

Other

NDS

NDS supplies open end-to-end digital technology and services to digital pay-television platform operators and content providers. NDS technologies include conditional access and microprocessor security, broadcast stream management, set-top box and residential gateway middleware, electronic program guides, digital video recording technologies and interactive infrastructure and applications. NDS provides technologies and services supporting standard definition and high definition televisions and a variety of industry, Internet and Internet protocol standards, as well as technology for mobile devices. NDS’ software systems, consultancy and systems integration services are focused on providing platform operators and content providers with technology to help them profit from the secure distribution of digital information and entertainment to consumer devices which incorporate various technologies supplied by NDS.

News Outdoor

The Company sells, through its News Outdoor businesses, outdoor advertising space on various media, primarily in Russia and Eastern Europe. In June 2007, the Company announced that it intends to explore strategic options for News Outdoor in connection with News Outdoor’s continued development plans. The strategic

options include, but are not limited to, exploring the opportunity to expand News Outdoor’s existing shareholder group through new strategic and private equity partners. No agreement has yet been entered into with respect to any transaction.

FIM

The Company sells, through its FIM division, advertising, sponsorships and subscription services on the Company’s various Internet properties. The Company’s Internet properties include the social networking site MySpace.com, IGN.com, AmericanIdol.com, Scout.com and FOXsports.com. The Company also has a distribution agreement with Microsoft’s MSN for FOXsports.com.

Other Business Developments

In November 2007, Dow Jones announced that it would explore strategic alternatives for the Ottaway Community Newspapers (the “Ottaway Newspapers”), which the Company acquired as part of the Dow Jones transaction. The strategic options include, but are not limited to, the possible sale of some or all of the Ottaway Newspapers’ publications and related properties. No agreement has yet been entered into with respect to any transaction involving the Ottaway Newspapers.

On December 13, 2007, the Company completed the acquisition of Dow Jones pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of July 31, 2007, by and among the Company, entered intoRuby Newco LLC, a definitive merger agreementwholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (“Ruby Newco”), Dow Jones and Diamond Merger Sub Corporation, as amended (the “Merger Agreement”) with Dow Jones Company, Inc. (“Dow Jones”), pursuant. Pursuant to which the Company agreed, subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, to acquire Dow Jones in a transaction valued at approximately $5.7 billion. Members of the Bancroft family and related trusts owning approximately 37% of Dow Jones voting stock have agreed to vote their shares in favor of the transaction. Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, a subsidiary of the Company will be merged with and into Dow Jones, and Dow Jones stockholders will be entitled to receive in such merger $60 in cash for each share of Dow Jones common stock they own or to make an election to have some or all of their shares of Dow Joneswas converted into a numberthe right to receive, at the election of the holder, either (x) $60.00 in cash or (y) 2.8681 Class B common units of a newly formed subsidiary of the Company, Ruby Newco LLC (eachNewco. Each Class B common unit of Ruby Newco LLC will be exchangeable for (subject to adjustment) oneis convertible after a period of time into a share of the Company’sNews Corporation Class A common stock, par $0.01 per share (“Class A Common Stock”)stock. The consideration for the acquisition was approximately $5,700 million which consists of: $5,100 million in accordance withcash, assumed net debt of approximately $330 million, approximately $200 million in equity instruments and the terms and conditionsCompany anticipates making additional acquisition related cash payments of such subsidiary’s operating agreement).$100 million during the remainder of fiscal 2008. The allocation procedures under the Merger Agreement provide that Ruby Newco LLC Class B common units will be received by no more than 250 record holdersresults of Dow Jones shares and in exchange for not more than 10% of the outstanding shares of Dow Jones common stock and Dow Jones Class B common stock,have been included in the aggregate. The obligationsCompany’s unaudited consolidated statement of operations from December 13, 2007, the Company and Dow Jones to complete the merger are subject to customary closing conditions, including, among other things, adoptiondate of the Merger Agreement by the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by the holders of Dow Jones common stock and Dow Jones Class B common stock at a special meeting of Dow Jones stockholders, voting together as a single class, the execution of an editorial agreement, the establishment by the Company of a special committee as contemplated under such editorial agreement, regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. The Merger Agreement contains certain termination rights for both the Company and Dow Jones, including the right of Dow Jones to terminate the agreement to enter into an alternative transaction that constitutes a superior acquisition proposal. Upon termination of the Merger Agreement under specified circumstances, including by Dow Jones to accept a superior acquisition proposal, Dow Jones would be required to pay a termination fee of $165 million less any previously paid expenses. The acquisition is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of calendar 2007. The Company has agreed, upon consummation of the transaction, to appoint a member of the Bancroft family or another mutually acceptable person to the Company’s Board of Directors. acquisition.

The Company believes that thisthe Dow Jones acquisition will position it as a leader in the financial news and information market and will enhance its ability to adapt to future challenges and opportunities within the Company’s Newspapers and Information Services segment and across the Company’s other related business segments.

In JuneDecember 2007, Fox Television Stations, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company announced its planand FoxCo Acquisition Sub, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Oak Hill Capital Partners III, L.P. (“Oak Hill Capital”), entered into a Stock and Asset Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”), pursuant to which the Company agreed to sell nineeight of its FOX-affiliatedowned-and-operated FOX network affiliated television stations. No agreement has yet been entered into with respectstations (the “Stations”) to Oak Hill Capital for approximately $1.1 billion in cash. The Stations include: WJW in Cleveland, OH; KDVR in Denver, CO; KTVI in St. Louis, MO; WDAF in Kansas City, MO; WITI in Milwaukee, WI; KSTU in Salt Lake City, UT; WBRC in Birmingham, AL; and WGHP in Greensboro, NC. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including, among other things, (a) regulatory approvals, (b) the receipt of the consent of the Federal Communications Commission (the “FCC”) relating to the assignment or transfer of control of the television broadcasting licenses issued by the FCC for the Stations and (c) with regard to two of the Stations only, certain other actions by the FCC in connection with the digital television facilities for the two Stations. In the event the closing condition described in (c) above is not satisfied or waived by Oak Hill Capital, the transaction shall be effected as a sale of these stations.six of the Stations, excluding the Stations described in (c) above, at an adjusted price. The transaction is expected to be completed in the third calendar quarter of 2008.

In December 2007, Macrovision Corporation agreed to acquire Gemstar-TV Guide in a cash and stock transaction. The closing of this transaction is subject to customary closing conditions including the approval of the shareholders of both Macrovision Corporation and Gemstar-TV Guide.

In January 2008, the Company acquired a 14.6% stake in Premiere AG, the leading German pay-TV operator, for cash consideration of $422 million.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Results of Operations—For the three and six months ended September 30,December 31, 2007 versus the three and six months ended September 30,December 31, 2006.

The following table sets forth the Company’s operating results for the three and six months ended September 30,December 31, 2007, as compared to the three and six months ended September 30,December 31, 2006.

 

   For the three months ended September 30, 
   2007  2006  Change  % Change 
   ($ in millions) 

Revenues

  $7,067  $5,914  $1,153  19%

Expenses:

     

Operating

   4,408   3,754   654  17%

Selling, general and administrative

   1,290   1,102   188  17%

Depreciation and amortization

   322   207   115  56%
                

Total operating income

   1,047   851   196  23%
                

Equity earnings of affiliates

   246   243   3  1%

Interest expense, net

   (213)  (200)  (13) 7%

Interest income

   100   75   25  33%

Other, net

   —     428   (428) **
                

Income before income tax expense and minority interest in subsidiaries

   1,180   1,397   (217) (16)%

Income tax expense

   (414)  (538)  124  (23)%

Minority interest in subsidiaries, net of tax

   (34)  (16)  (18) 113%
                

Net income

  $732  $843  $(111) (13)%
                

Diluted earnings per share(1)

  $0.23  $0.27  $(0.04) (15)%

   For the three months ended
December 31,
  For the six months ended
December 31,
 
   2007  2006  % Change  2007   2006   % Change 
   (in millions, except % and per share amounts) 

Revenues

  $8,590  $7,844  10% $15,657   $13,758   14%

Expenses:

         

Operating

   5,443   5,341  2%  9,851    9,095   8%

Selling, general and administrative

   1,442   1,153  25%  2,732    2,255   21%

Depreciation and amortization

   287   206  39%  609    413   47%
                         

Total operating income

   1,418   1,144  24%  2,465    1,995   24%
                         

Equity (losses) earnings of affiliates

   (50)  249  **  196    492   (60)%

Interest expense, net

   (245)  (212) 16%  (458)   (412)  11%

Interest income

   78   72  8%  178    147   21%

Other, net

   187   18  **  187    446   (58)%
                         

Income before income tax expense and minority interest in subsidiaries

   1,388   1,271  9%  2,568    2,668   (4)%

Income tax expense

   (520)  (431) 21%  (934)   (969)  (4)%

Minority interest in subsidiaries, net of tax

   (36)  (18) **  (70)   (34)  **
                         

Net income

  $832  $822  1% $1,564   $1,665   (6)%
                         

Diluted earnings per share(1)

  $0.27  $0.26  4% $0.50   $0.52   (4)%

**not meaningful

(1)

Represents earnings per share based on the total weighted average shares outstanding (Class A Common Stock and Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Class B Common Stock”) combined) for the three and six months ended September 30,December 31, 2007 and 2006. During fiscal 2007, Class A Common Stock carried rights to a greater dividend than Class B Common stock.Stock. Subsequent to the final fiscal 2007 dividend, shares of Class A Common Stock cease to carry any rights to a greater dividend than shares of Class B Common Stock. See Note 15—Earnings Per Share.Share to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements of News Corporation.

Overview—The Company’s revenues increased 19%10% and 14% for the three and six months ended September 30,December 31, 2007, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periodperiods of fiscal 2007. The increaseincreases for the three and six months ended September 30,December 31, 2007 waswere primarily due to revenue increases at the Filmed Entertainment, DBS, Cable Network Programming, Newspapers and Information Services, DBS, and Other segments.

Operating expenses increased 17% for the three and six months ended September 30,December 31, 2007 as compared toincreased approximately 2% and 8%, respectively, from the three months ended September 30, 2006corresponding periods of fiscal 2007. The increases were primarily due to an increase in the amortization of production expenses and increased production and participation costs and higher releasing costs at the Filmed Entertainment segment. Also contributing to the operating expenses increase for the three months ended September 30, 2007 were higher entertainment and sports rights amortizationsegment, unfavorable foreign exchange movements at the Cable Network Programming,DBS and Newspapers and Information Services segments and incremental expenses related to acquisitions. Partially offsetting these increases were lower sports programming costs at the Television and DBS segments.segment.

Selling, General and Administrative expenses increased 17% for the three and six months ended September 30,December 31, 2007 increased approximately 25% and 21%, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periodperiods of fiscal 2007,2007. These increases were primarily due to incremental expenses related to acquisitions. Also contributing to the increase for the three months ended September 30, 2007 were higheracquisitions, increased employee costs and Internet initiatives.

Depreciation and amortizationAmortization increased 56% during39% and 47% for the three and six months ended September 30,December 31, 2007, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periodperiods of fiscal 2007. The increases in depreciation and amortization were primarily due to accelerated depreciation at the NewspaperNewspapers and Information Services segment and an increase in the amortization of finite lived intangible assets in conjunction with acquisitions made in fiscal 2007. Also contributing to the increase wasincreases were additional property, plant and equipment placed into service.

During both the three and six months ended December 31, 2007, Operating income increased 23% for24% from the corresponding periods of fiscal 2007. The increases in the three and six months ending September 30,ended December 31, 2007 as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2007,were primarily due to increased Operating income at the Filmed Entertainment,Television, DBS, Cable Network Programming DBS segments and improved Operating results at the Other segments.Segments.

DuringEquity (losses) earnings of affiliates—Net earnings from equity affiliates decreased $299 million and $296 million for the three and six months ended September 30,December 31, 2007, the Company’s international operations benefited from the weakening of the U.S. dollar which resulted in an increase of approximately 3% in both revenues and Operating incomerespectively, as compared to the corresponding periodperiods of fiscal 2007. The decreases were primarily a result of lower contributions from British Sky Broadcasting Group plc (“BSkyB”) due to the write-down of its ITV plc investment in the three months ended December 31, 2007. The Company’s portion of the ITV plc write-down was $273 million.

   For the three months ended
December 31,
  For the six months ended
December 31,
 
   2007  2006  % Change  2007  2006  % Change 
   (in millions, except %) 

DBS equity affiliates

   (74)  202  **  99   409  (76)%

Cable channel equity affiliates

   14   23  (39)%  37   44  (16)%

Other equity affiliates

   10   24  (58)%  60   39  54%
                       

Total equity (losses) earnings of affiliates

  $(50) $249  ** $196  $492  (60)%
                       
          

**not meaningful

Interest expense, net—Interest expense, net increased $13$33 million and $46 million for the three and six months ended December 31, 2007, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periodperiods of fiscal 2007, primarily due to the issuance of $1 billion 6.15% Senior Notes due 2037 in March 2007 and $1.25 billion 6.65% Senior Notes due 2037 in November 2007.

Interest income—Interest income increased $25$6 million and $31 million for the three and six months ended December 31, 2007, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periodperiods of fiscal 2007, primarily as a result of higher average cash balances.

Equity earnings of affiliates—Net earnings from affiliates for the three months ended September 30, 2007 increased $3 million as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2007. The increase was primarily due to higher earnings at Gemstar-TV Guide International (included in Other equity affiliates) due to a reduced tax provision, partially offset by lower contributions from British Sky Broadcasting Group plc (“BSkyB”) and The DIRECTV Group, Inc. (“DIRECTV”). At BSkyB, the decline in equity earnings was primarily due to higher costs associated with its broadband offering, increased product upgrade volumes and increased sports rights. The decreases in equity earnings from DIRECTV were primarily due to higher set-top box depreciation and product upgrade costs.

   For the three months ended
September 30,
 
   2007  2006  Change  % Change 
   (in millions) 

British Sky Broadcasting Group plc

  $64  $82  $(18) (22)%

The DIRECTV Group, Inc.

   104   116   (12) (10)%

Other DBS equity affiliates

   5   9   (4) (44)%

Cable channel equity affiliates

   23   21   2  10%

Other equity affiliates

   50   15   35  **
                

Total equity earnings of affiliates

  $246  $243  $3  1%
                

**not meaningful

Other, net—netOther, net consisted of the following:

 

   For the three months
ended September 30,
 
       2007          2006     
   (in millions) 

Gain on the sale of China Network Systems(a)

  $102  $—   

Gain on the sale of Sky Brasil(a)

   —     261 

Gain on the sale of Phoenix Satellite Television Holdings Limited(a)

   —     136 

Change in fair value of exchangeable securities(b)

   (87)  38 

Other

   (15)  (7)
         

Total Other, net

  $—    $428 
         

   For the three months
ended December 31,
   For the six months
ended December 31,
 
   2007   2006   2007   2006 
   (in millions)   (in millions) 

Gain on the sale of China Netcom(a)

  $—     $—     $102   $—   

Gain on the sale of SKY Brasil(a)

   —      —      —      261 

Gain on the sale of Phoenix(a)

   —      —      —      136 

Change in fair value of exchangeable securities(b)

   189    30    102    68 

Other

   (2)   (12)   (17)   (19)
                    

Total Other, net

  $187   $18   $187   $446 
                    

(a)

(a)

See Note 6—Investments.Investments to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements of News Corporation.

(b)

(b)

The Company has certain outstanding exchangeable debt securities which contain embedded derivatives. Pursuant to SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“SFAS No. 133”), these embedded derivatives require separate accounting and, as such, changes in their fair value are recognized in Other, net. A significant variance in the price of underlying stock could have a material impact on the operating results of the Company.

Income tax expense—The Company’s effective tax rate for the three and six months ended September 30,December 31, 2007 of approximately 35% was lower than the37% and 36%, respectively. The effective tax rate for the firstsecond quarter of fiscal 2007.2008 was higher than the corresponding prior year period as the second quarter of fiscal 2007 effective tax rate was impacted by the resolution of foreign tax audits and the utilization of certain income tax credits. The decreaseeffective rate for the six months ended December 31, 2007 of 36% was consistent with the effective rate for the six months ended December 31, 2006. The effective tax rate for the three and six months ended December 31, 2007 was higher than the U.S. statutory rate primarily due to a reductionforeign and state income taxes.

Minority interest in a valuation allowancesubsidiaries, net of tax—Minority interest expense increased $18 million and $36 million for the three and six months ended December 31, 2007, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods of fiscal 2007. These increases were primarily due to foreign legislation changesthe additional minority interest allocated to minority shareholders of National Geographic Channel (US) (“NGC US”) and a reduced statutory ratethe international National Geographic entities that were not consolidated in the United Kingdom.corresponding periods of the prior fiscal year.

Net income—Net income increased $10 million and decreased $111$101 million for the three and six months ended December 31, 2007, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods of fiscal 2007. The increase in Net income for the three months ended September 30,December 31, 2007 as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2007. This decrease was primarily due to the increase in Operating income noted above and an increase in Other, net, partially offset by the decrease in earnings from equity affiliates noted above. The decrease in Net income for the six months ended December 31, 2007 was primarily due to the decrease in earnings from equity affiliates noted above and a decrease in Other, net due to the absence of the gaingains on the sale of SkySKY Brasil and Phoenix Satellite Television Holdings Limited included in Other, net in the corresponding period of fiscal 2007 and the increases in Operating and Selling, general and administrative expenses noted above.2007. The decrease in Net income for the six months ended December 31, 2007 was partially offset by the increase in revenuesOperating income noted above.

Segment Analysis:

The following table sets forth the Company’s revenues and operating income by segment for the three and six months ended September 30,December 31, 2007, as compared to the three and six months ended September 30,December 31, 2006.

 

   For the three months ended September 30, 
   2007  2006  Change  % Change 
   (in millions) 

Revenues:

     

Filmed Entertainment

  $1,582  $1,213  $369  30%

Television

   1,145   1,103   42  4%

Cable Network Programming

   1,102   889   213  24%

Direct Broadcast Satellite Television

   747   622   125  20%

Magazines and Inserts

   264   275   (11) (4)%

Newspapers

   1,244   1,049   195  19%

Book Publishing

   330   368   (38) (10)%

Other

   653   395   258  65%
                

Total revenues

  $7,067  $5,914  $1,153  19%
                

Operating income (loss):

     

Filmed Entertainment

  $362  $239  $123  51%

Television

   183   192   (9) (5)%

Cable Network Programming

   289   249   40  16%

Direct Broadcast Satellite Television

   48   (13)  61  **

Magazines and Inserts

   79   78   1  1%

Newspapers

   93   124   (31) (25)%

Book Publishing

   36   55   (19) (35)%

Other

   (43)  (73)  30  (41)%
                

Total operating income

  $1,047  $851  $196  23%
                

   For the three months ended
December 31,
  For the six months ended
December 31,
 
   2007  2006  % Change  2007   2006   % Change 
   (in millions, except %) 

Revenues:

          

Filmed Entertainment

  $1,976  $2,265  (13)% $3,558   $3,478   2%

Television

   1,530   1,600  (4)%  2,675    2,703   (1)%

Cable Network Programming

   1,236   920  34%  2,338    1,809   29%

Direct Broadcast Satellite Television

   955   764  25%  1,702    1,386   23%

Magazines and Inserts

   273   266  3%  537    541   (1)%

Newspapers and Information Services

   1,416   1,118  27%  2,660    2,167   23%

Book Publishing

   406   393  3%  736    761   (3)%

Other

   798   518  54%  1,451    913   59%
                         

Total revenues

  $8,590  $7,844  10% $15,657   $13,758   14%
                         

Operating income (loss):

          

Filmed Entertainment

  $403  $470  (14)% $765   $709   8%

Television

   245   112  **  428    304   41%

Cable Network Programming

   337   275  23%  626    524   19%

Direct Broadcast Satellite Television

   62   (12) **  110    (25)  **

Magazines and Inserts

   85   74  15%  164    152   8%

Newspapers and Information Services

   196   170  15%  289    294   (2)%

Book Publishing

   67   54  24%  103    109   (6)%

Other

   23   1  **  (20)   (72)  (72)%
                         

Total operating income

  $1,418  $1,144  24% $2,465   $1,995   24%
                         

**not meaningful

Filmed Entertainment (22%(23% and 20%25% of the Company’s consolidated revenues in the first quartersix months of fiscal 2008 and 2007, respectively)

For the three months ended September 30,December 31, 2007, revenues and Operating income at the Filmed Entertainment segment increased $369decreased $289 million, or 30%13%, and $67 million, or 14%, respectively, as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2007. ThisThe revenue decrease was primarily due to a decrease in worldwide theatrical and home entertainment revenues partially offset by higher syndication revenues from Twentieth Century Fox Television. The three months ended December 31, 2006 included the successful theatrical performances ofThe Devil Wears Prada, Night at the MuseumandBorat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstanand the successful home entertainment performances ofIce Age: The Meltdown,X-Men: The Last Standand The Devil Wears Prada.The three months ended December 31, 2007 included the successful theatrical releases and initial releasing costs ofAlvin and the Chipmunksand Junoand the home entertainment performance ofThe Simpsons Movie,Live Free or Die HardandFantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. The decrease in Operating income was primarily due to the revenue decreases noted above, partially offset by a $226 million decrease in operating expenses. The decrease in operating expenses was due to lower releasing costs and lower amortization of production and participation expenses.

For the six months ended December 31, 2007, revenues and Operating income at the Filmed Entertainment segment increased $80 million, or 2%, and $56 million, or 8%, respectively, as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2007. The revenue increase was primarily due to increasesan increase in worldwide theatrical home entertainment,and pay television and free televisionrevenues, as well as higher syndication revenues from Twentieth Century Fox Television, partially offset by lower home entertainment revenues. The increase in worldwide theatrical revenues in fiscal 2008for the six months ended December 31, 2007 was primarily due to the worldwide success ofThe Simpsons Movie,Alvin and the Chipmunks andLive Free or Die HardThe first quarter of fiscal 2007 included theatricalSyndication revenues from Little Miss Sunshine andThe Devil Wears Prada. The increase in home entertainment revenue for the quarter was primarily driven by an increase from the sale and distribution of television titles such asFamily Guy andPrison Break.Also contributing to the increase in home entertainment revenues for the quarter was the worldwide home entertainment release ofPathfinder and The Hills Have Eyes II. The corresponding period of fiscal 2007 included the domestic home entertainment release ofThe Sentinel. Home entertainment revenues generated from the sale and distribution of film and television titles in the three months ended September 30, 2007 were 64% and 36%, respectively, of total home entertainment revenues. The increase in syndication revenues wasincreased primarily due to the worldwide availability of Family Guyand higher international revenues from Prison Break.Breakand The Simpsons. The increasesincrease in worldwide pay television and free television revenues for motion picture product werewas primarily due to a stronger film lineup and more feature films available duringin fiscal 2008. Worldwide home entertainment revenues decreased primarily due to the first quartersuccessful performance of fiscal 2008 as compared to first quarter of fiscal 2007.

Operating income at the Filmed Entertainment segment for the three months ended September 30, 2007 increased $123 million, or 51%, as compared toIce Age: The Meltdownin the corresponding period of fiscal 2007. The increase in Operating income was primarily due to the revenue increases noted above, partially offset by a $221 million increase in operating expenses and higher selling, general, and administrative expenses. The increase in operating expenses was due to an increase in amortization of production costs, higherand participation costs and higher releasing costs.expenses.

Television(16%17% and 19%20% of the Company’s consolidated revenues in the first quartersix months of fiscal 2008 and 2007, respectively)

For the three and six months ended September 30,December 31, 2007, Television segment revenues increased $42decreased $70 million, or 4%, and $28 million, or 1%, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods of fiscal 2007. The Television segment reported a decreasean increase in Operating income for the three and six months ended September 30,December 31, 2007 of $9$133 million or 5%,and $124 million, respectively, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2006.corresponding periods of fiscal 2007.

RevenueRevenues for the three and six months ended September 30,December 31, 2007 at the Company’s U.S. television operations increased 2%decreased 6% and 3%, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periodperiods of fiscal 2007. The increase wasdecreases were primarily due to higher FOX prime-time advertising revenue from the Emmy Awards, which was televised on FOXabsence of the MLB Divisional Series in fiscal 2008 as well as higher pricing and additional commercial spots sold. The revenue increases noted above were partially offset by a decrease in political advertising revenue at the Company’s television stations andstations. These revenue decreases atwere partially offset by higher advertising revenue due to increased pricing and higher network ratings for NFL and entertainment programming and from the Company-owned MyNetworkTV affiliated stations.Emmy Awards, which was broadcast in the six months ended December 31, 2007. Operating income for the three and six months ended September 30,December 31, 2007 at the Company’s U.S. television operations decreased approximately 7%increased as compared to the corresponding periodperiods of fiscal 2007. The decreaseincreases in Operating income waswere a result of the higher revenue increases noted above and a $16 million increasedecrease in sports programming costs relateddue to the newabsence of the MLB contract and a $7 million increase reflecting a full quarter ofDivisional Series. Also contributing to the increases in Operating income were improved operating lossesresults at MyNetworkTV which was launched in September 2006, partially offset by the increase in revenues noted above.due to lower programming costs.

Revenues for the three and six months ended September 30,December 31, 2007 at the Company’s international television operations increased as compared to the corresponding periodperiods of fiscal 2007. The increase wasincreases were primarily due to higher advertising revenues in India and higher subscription revenues. Operating income at the Company’s international television operations increased for the three and six months ended September 30,December 31, 2007 as compared to the corresponding periodperiods of fiscal 2007, primarily due to the revenue increases noted above which were partially offset by an increase inincreased programming costs.

Cable Network Programming (16%(15% and 15%13% of the Company’s consolidated revenues in the first quartersix months of fiscal 2008 and 2007, respectively)

For the three and six months ended September 30,December 31, 2007, revenues for the Cable Network Programming segment increased $213$316 million, or 24%34%, as compared to fiscal 2007.

Fox News’ revenues increased 34% for the three months ended September 30, 2007and $529 million, or 29%, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periodperiods of fiscal 2007. These increases were driven by higher net affiliate and advertising revenues at Fox News, the RSNs, FX, and the Company’s international cable channels. Also contributing to the revenue growth was incremental revenues of $125 million and $181 million for the three and six months ended December 31, 2007, respectively, due to the consolidation of the National Geographic channels.

For the three and six months ended December 31, 2007, Fox News’ revenues increased 26% and 30%, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods of fiscal 2007, primarily due to an increase in net affiliate and advertising revenue increases.revenues. Net affiliate revenues increased 62% and 79% for the three and six months ended September 30,December 31, 2007, respectively, primarily due to higher average rates per subscriber and lower cable distribution amortization as compared to the corresponding periodperiods of fiscal 2007. Advertising revenues for both the three and six months ended September 30,December 31, 2007 increased 10% as compared to the corresponding periodperiods of fiscal 2007 due to higher volume and higher pricing. As of September 30,December 31, 2007, Fox News reached approximately 95 million Nielsen households.

The RSNs’ revenues increased 10% for both the three and six months ended September 30,December 31, 2007 as compared to the corresponding periodperiods of fiscal 2007, primarily due to increases in net affiliate revenues. During the three and advertising revenue increases. Netsix months ended December 31, 2007, net affiliate revenues increased 13% and 12% for, respectively, as compared to the three months ended September 30,corresponding periods of fiscal 2007, primarily due to higher averageaffiliate rates per subscribers and a higher number of subscribers as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2007. The 9% increase in advertising revenuessubscribers. Advertising revenue increased approximately 5% during the threesix months ended September 30,December 31, 2007, was primarily due to additional revenues from the increased number of MLB and National Basketball Association (“NBA”) games broadcasted and higher revenueadvertising rates.

FX’s revenues increased 6% for both the three and six months ended September 30,December 31, 2007 as compared to the corresponding periodperiods of fiscal 2007, primarily due todriven by net affiliate revenue and advertisingancillary revenue increases. Net affiliate revenues increased 8% for the three and six months ended September 30,December 31, 2007 primarily due toas a result of an increase in the average rate per subscriber and the number of subscribers as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2007. Advertising revenues increased 6% for the three months ended September 30, 2007, primarily due to higher pricing and volume as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2007.subscribers. As of September 30,December 31, 2007, FX reached approximately 95 million Nielsen households.

Revenues at theThe Company’s international cable channelschannels’ revenues increased for the three and six months ended September 30,December 31, 2007 as compared to the corresponding periodperiods of fiscal 2007, primarily due to the consolidation of NGC Network International LLC (“NGC International”) and, NGC Network Latin America LLC (“NGC Latin America”) beginning January 2007.and NGC Network Europe LLC (“NGC Europe”) which were not consolidated in the corresponding periods of the prior fiscal year. Also contributing to these increases were improved advertising sales and subscriber growth at the other FIC channels.

For the three and six months ended September 30,December 31, 2007, operatingOperating income at the Cable Network Programming segment increased $40$62 million, or 16%23%, and $102 million, or 19%, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periodperiods of fiscal 2007, primarily due to the increaseincreases in revenues noted above. The revenue increases were partially offset by a $118$169 million increaseand $288 million increases in operating expenses during the three and higher selling, general, and administrative expenses and higher depreciation and amortization expense.six months ended December 31, 2007, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods of fiscal 2007. The increaseincreases in operating expenses waswere primarily due to higherincreased programming rights as a result of higher per game rights andcosts resulting from an increase in the number of MLB and NBA games broadcasted, higher entertainment programming costs of movies and new shows, the launcheslaunch of the Big Ten Network in August 2007, the incremental expenses associated with the consolidation of NGC International and NGC Latin America beginning in January 2007the international National Geographic channels and the costs associated with theOctober 2007 launch of Fox Business Network. The launches of the Big Ten Network and Fox Business Network resulted in October 2007.approximately $50 million and $85 million in operating losses for the three and six months ended December 31, 2007, respectively. The consolidation of the National Geographic channels resulted in incremental Operating income of approximately $38 million and $56 million for the three and six months ended December 31, 2007, respectively. Also contributing to the increased expenses were higher Selling, General, and Administrative expenses during the three and six months ended December 31, 2007, primarily due to the launch of the new channels.

Direct Broadcast Satellite Television(11% and 10% of the Company’s consolidated revenues in the first quartersix months of fiscal 2008 and 2007)2007, respectively)

For the three and six months ended September 30,December 31, 2007, SKY Italia revenues increased $125$191 million, or 20%25%, and $316 million, or 23%, as compared to the corresponding periodperiods of fiscal 2007. This revenue growth was primarily driven by an increase of approximately 410,000400,000 subscribers over the corresponding period of fiscal 2007 and the weakening of the U.S. dollar which resulted in an 8%12% and 10% of the increase in revenue.revenues for the three and six months ended December 31, 2007, respectively. During the firstsecond quarter of fiscal 2008, SKY

Italia added approximately 45,000189,000 net subscribers, which increased SKY Italia’s total subscriber base to 4.24.4 million at September 30,December 31, 2007. The total churn for the three months ended September 30,December 31, 2007 was approximately 150,00080,000 subscribers on an average subscriber base to 4.2of 4.3 million, as compared to churn of approximately 147,000102,000 subscribers on an average subscriber base of 3.83.9 million in the first quartercorresponding period of fiscal 2007. The total churn for the six months ended December 31, 2007 was approximately 230,000 subscribers on an average subscriber base of 4.3 million, as compared to churn of approximately 249,000 subscribers on an average subscriber base of 3.9 million in the corresponding period of fiscal 2007. Subscriber churn for the period represents the number of SKY Italia subscribers whose service was disconnected during the period.

Average revenue per subscriber (“ARPU”) for the three and six months ended September 30,December 31, 2007 was approximately €39€45 and was€42, respectively, which were consistent with thatthe ARPU for the corresponding periods of fiscal 2007. SKY Italia calculates ARPU by dividing total subscriber-related revenues for the period by the average subscribers for the period and dividing that amount by the number of months in the period. Subscriber-related revenues are comprised of total subscription revenue, pay-per-view revenue and equipment rental revenue for the period. Average subscribers are calculated for the respective periods by adding the beginning and ending subscribers for the period and dividing by two.

Subscriber acquisition costs per subscriber (“SAC”) of approximately €250€270 in the firstsecond quarter of fiscal 2008 decreasedincreased over the firstsecond quarter of fiscal 2007, primarily due to decreasedincreased marketing costs both in the aggregate and on a per gross addition basis due to a higherlower number of gross SKY Italia subscribers added during the firstsecond quarter of fiscal 2008 as compared to the corresponding prior year period.SACperiod.SAC is calculated by dividing total subscriber acquisition costs for a period by the number of gross SKY Italia subscribers added during the period. Subscriber acquisition costs include the cost of the commissions paid to retailers and other distributors, the cost of equipment sold directly by SKY Italia to subscribers and the costs related to installation and acquisition advertising, net of any upfront activation fee. SKY Italia excludes the value of equipment capitalized under SKY Italia’s equipment lease program, as well as payments and the value of returned equipment related to disconnected lease program subscribers from subscriber acquisition costs.

For the three and six months ended September 30,December 31, 2007, SKY Italia’s operating results improved by $61$74 million and $135 million, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periodperiods of fiscal 2007. The increase wasincreases were primarily due to the revenue increases noted above, partially offset by a $56 millionan increase in operating expenses. The increase in operating expenses was due to higher fees paid for contentprogramming costs as a result of an increase in the number of subscribers and the additions of new channels. TheFor the three and six months ended December 31, 2007, the weakening of the U.S. dollar represented 6%12% and 10%, respectively, of the total improvement in operating results.

Magazines and Inserts(4%3% and 5%4% of the Company’s consolidated revenues in the first quartersix months of fiscal 2008 and 2007, respectively)

For the three months ended September 30,December 31, 2007, revenues at the Magazines and Inserts segment decreased $11increased $7 million, or 4%3%, as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2007, primarily due to a decreasean increase in volume and rates of in-store marketing products, partially offset by lower rates and volume for free-standing insert products. These decreases were partially offset by higher volume and rates for in-store marketing products.

For the threesix months ended September 30,December 31, 2007, Operating incomerevenues at the Magazines and Inserts segment increased $1decreased $4 million, or 1%, as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2007. The increase was2007, primarily due to a decrease in commission expense whichlower volume and rates on the Company’s free-standing insert products. These decreases were partially offset by higher rates and volume for in-store marketing products.

For the three and six months ended December 31, 2007, Operating income at the Magazines and Inserts segment increased $11 million, or 15%, and $12 million, or 8%, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods of fiscal 2007. The increases were primarily due to lower printing and paper rates for free-standing insert products. The increase for the six months ended December 31, 2007 was partially offset by the decreasesdecrease in revenuerevenues noted above.

Newspapers and Information Services(18%17% and 16% of the Company’s consolidated revenues in the first quartersix months of fiscal 2008 and 2007)2007, respectively)

For the three and six months ended September 30,December 31, 2007, revenues at the NewspaperNewspapers and Information Services segment increased $195$298 million, or 19%27%, and $493 million, or 23%, as compared to the corresponding periodperiods of fiscal 2007. Revenues in Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom were all higher in the three and six months ended December 31, 2007. The increase in the U.S. revenue was due to the acquisition of Dow Jones on December 13, 2007. The Dow Jones results have been included in the Newspapers and Information Services segment since December 14, 2007. Operating income for the three months ended September 30,December 31, 2007 decreased $31increased $26 million, or 25%15%, and decreased $5 million, or 2%, for the six months ended December 31, 2007, as compared to the corresponding periodperiods of fiscal 2007.2007, primarily related to the Australian and U.K. operating results as Dow Jones did not have a material impact on Operating income. During the three and six months ended September 30,December 31, 2007, the weakening of the U.S. dollar resulted in increases of approximately 9% in revenue and 16%approximately 15% in revenues and operating income respectively, as compared to the corresponding periodperiods of fiscal 2007.

For the three and six months ended September 30,December 31, 2007, the Australian newspapers’ revenues increased 29%33% and 31%, respectively, primarily due to higher advertising revenues, incremental revenues from the acquisition of the Federal Publishing Company’s group of companies in April 2007 and favorable foreign exchange movements and higher advertising and circulation revenues.movements. Operating income for the three and six months ended September 30,December 31, 2007 increased 28%32% and 30%, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periodperiods of fiscal 2007, primarily due to the revenue increases noted above which were partially offset by an increase in employee related costs.

For both the three months and six months ended September 30,December 31, 2007, the UK newspapers’ revenues increased 10% over9%, as compared to the corresponding periodperiods of fiscal 2007, primarily due to higher Internet and circulation revenues, as well as favorable foreign exchange movements. Internet revenues increased primarily due to the incremental revenues from acquisitions made in fiscal 2007 and higher Internet advertising revenues. Circulation revenues increased due to cover price increases which were partially offset by lower circulation. These increases were partially offset by lower advertising revenues, primarily due to lower inserts, mono display and classified revenue. Operating income decreased for the three and six months ended September 30,December 31, 2007 as compared to the corresponding periodperiods of fiscal 2007. The decrease was2007, primarily due to incremental accelerated depreciation of $62$24 million and $86 million, respectively, recorded for the U.K. printing presses and printing facilities that will beare being replaced earlier than originally anticipated. The Company’s upgrade to new printing plants and presses is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008.

Book Publishing(5% and 6% of the Company’s consolidated revenues in the first quartersix months of fiscal 2008 and 2007, respectively)

For the three months ended September 30,December 31, 2007, revenues at the Book Publishing segment decreased $38increased $13 million, or 10%3%, as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2007, due to a lower number of released titles. This decrease was partially offset by distribution revenues earned on the release of the latestHarry Potter series book published by Scholastic during the first quarter of fiscal 2008. During the three months ended September 30, 2007, HarperCollins had 51 titles onThe New York Times Bestseller List with six titles reaching the number one position.2007. Notable sales performances during the three months ended September 30,December 31, 2007, includedThe Daring Book For Girlsby Andrea J. Buchanan and Miriam Peskowitz,The Dangerous Book For Boys by Conn and Hal IgguldenMotor Mouth by Janet Evanovich, andDeceptively Delicious by Jessica Seinfeld,Seinfeld. This increase was partially offset by a reduction in sales of the successful children’sIkeLemony Snicket’s Series of Unfortunate Eventstitles as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2007. During the three months ended December 31, 2007, HarperCollins had 40 titles onThe New York Times Bestseller List with five titles reaching the number one position. For the six months ended December 31, 2007, revenues at Book Publishing segment decreased $25 million, or 3%, from the corresponding period of fiscal 2007, primarily due to lower revenue on Lemony Snicket’s Series of Unfortunate Eventstitles. This decrease was partially offset by Michael Kordahigher distribution revenues earned on the final release of theHarry Potter series book published by Scholastic and the addition of a new distribution client during the six months ended December 31, 2007. During the six months ended December 31, 2007, HarperCollins had 81 titles onAna’s StorThe New York Timesy by Jenna Bush. Bestseller List with ten titles reaching the number one position.

Operating income for the three months ended September 30,December 31, 2007 decreased $19increased $13 million, or 35%24%, as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2007, primarily due to the revenue increases noted above. Also contributing to the increases during the three months was a lower provision for bad debt as the prior fiscal year

included a provision for the bankruptcy filing of a major distributor. Operating income for the six months ended December 31, 2007 decreased $6 million, or 6%, as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2007, primarily due to the revenue decreases in revenues noted above which were partially offset by a corresponding decrease in cost of sales.above.

Other (9% and 7% of the Company’s consolidated revenues in the first quartersix months of fiscal 2008 and 2007, respectively)

For the three and six months ended September 30,December 31, 2007, revenues at the Other operating segment increased $258$280 million, or 65%54%, and $538 million, or 59%, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periodperiods of fiscal 2007, primarily due to incremental revenues received from the search technology and services agreement with Google and increased advertising revenues from FIM’s Internet sites. The revenue increase wasincreases were also driven by incremental revenues from Jamba which was acquired in January 2007.

Operating results for the three and six months ended September 30,December 31, 2007 increased $30$22 million or 41%,and $52 million, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periodperiods of fiscal 2007. The increase wasincreases were primarily due to a $16approximately $59 million increaseand $74 million increases in operating results at FIM for the three and six months ended December 31, 2007, respectively, which waswere due to the FIM revenue increases at FIM noted above. The improvements inimproved operating results were partially offset by start up losses atin conjunction with the Company’s Eastern European broadcasting initiatives.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Current Financial Condition

The Company’s principal source of liquidity is internally generated funds; however, the Company has access to the worldwide capital markets, a $2.25 billion revolving credit facility and various film co-production alternatives to supplement its cash flows. Also, as of September 30,December 31, 2007, the Company had consolidated cash and cash equivalents of approximately $8.1$3.5 billion. The Company believes that cash flows from operations will be adequate for the Company to conduct its operations. The Company’s internally generated funds are highly dependent upon the state of the advertising market and public acceptance of film and television products. Any significant decline in the advertising market or the performance of the Company’s films could adversely impact its cash flows from operations which could require the Company to seek other sources of funds including proceeds from the sale of certain assets or other alternative sources.

The principal uses of cash that affect the Company’s liquidity position include the following: investments in the production and distribution of new feature films and television programs; the acquisition of and payments under programming rights for entertainment and sports programming; paper purchases; operational expenditures including employee costs; capital expenditures; interest expense; income tax payments; investments in associated entities; dividends; acquisitionsacquisitions; and stock repurchases.

On July 31, 2007, the Company entered into the Merger Agreement with Dow Jones, pursuant to which the Company agreed, subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, to acquire Dow Jones in a

transaction valued at approximately $5.7 billion including the assumption of $.4 billion of indebtedness. Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, Dow Jones stockholders will be entitled to receive $60 in cash for each share of Dow Jones stock they own or to make an election to have some or all of their shares of Dow Jones converted into a number of Class B common units of a newly formed subsidiary of the Company, Ruby Newco LLC (each Class B common unit of Ruby Newco LLC will be exchangeable for (subject to adjustment) one share of the Company’s Class A Common Stock in accordance with the terms and conditions of such subsidiary’s operating agreement). The obligations of the Company and Dow Jones to complete the merger are subject to customary closing conditions, including, among other things, adoption of the Merger Agreement by the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by the holders of Dow Jones common stock and Dow Jones Class B common stock at a special meeting of Dow Jones stockholders, voting together as a single class, the execution of an editorial agreement, the establishment by the Company of a special committee as contemplated under such editorial agreement, regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. The acquisition is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of calendar 2007. The Company intends to use cash on hand to pay the cash portion of the merger consideration.

Sources and uses of cash

Net cash provided by operating activities for the threesix months ended September 30,December 31, 2007 and 2006 was as follows (in millions):

 

For the three months ended September 30,

  2007  2006

Net cash provided by operating activities

  $803  $716
        
   For the six months ended
December 31,
       2007          2006    

Net cash provided by operating activities

  $739  $705
        

The increase in net cash provided by operating activities during the threesix months ended September 30,December 31, 2007 as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2007 reflects higher home entertainment receipts at the Filmed Entertainment segment which was partially offset by higher income tax payments.

Net cash used in investing activities for the threesix months ended September 30,December 31, 2007 and 2006 was as follows (in millions):

 

For the three months ended September 30,

  2007  2006 

Net cash used in investing activities

  $(325) $(179)
         
   For the six months ended
December 31,
 
       2007          2006     

Net cash used in investing activities

  $(5,829) $(1,020)
         

Net cash used in investing activities during the threesix months ended September 30,December 31, 2007 increased as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2007. TheThis increase was primarily due to increased investments and higher capital expenditures.

The increased investments were primarily due to the Company’s acquisition of Dow Jones in December 2007 and Photobucket in July 2007. The increases in capital expenditures were primarily due to expenditures related to the launch of Fox Business Network in October 2007.

Net cash used inprovided by (used in) financing activities for the threesix months ended September 30,December 31, 2007 and 2006 was as follows (in millions):

 

For the three months ended September 30,

  2007  2006 

Net cash used in financing activities

  $(53) $(39)
         
   For the six months ended
December 31,
 
       2007          2006     

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

  $910  $(101)
         

The increase in net cash used inCash provided by financing activities was primarily due to an increasenet proceeds of $1,248 from the issuance of $1,250 million 6.65% Senior Notes due 2037 in November 2007. Cash provided by financing activities was partially offset by dividends paid, repayments of borrowings and stock repurchases of approximately $63 million.Duringrepurchases. During the first quarter of fiscal 2008,six months ended December 31, 2007, the Company repurchased approximately 6.0 million shares for $122 million under the Company’s stock repurchase program as compared to repurchases of 3.2 million shares for $59 million during the first quarter of fiscal 2007.six months ended December 31, 2006.

Debt Instruments

 

For the three months ended September 30,

  2007  2006 
  For the six months ended
December 31,
 
      2007         2006     
  (in millions)   (in millions) 

Borrowings

       

Notes Due 2037

  $1,248  $—   

RZB loan

  $7  $145    7   160 

All other

   3   —      7   —   
              

Total borrowings

  $10  $145   $1,262  $160 
              

Repayments of borrowings

       

EBRD loan

  $—    $(154)   —    $(154)

All other

   —     (36)   (132)  (36)
              

Total repayments of borrowings

  $—    $(190)  $(132) $(190)
              

Other

The Company’s 6.625% Senior Notes due 2008 in the amount of $350 million are due within the next twelve months and are classified as current borrowings as of September 30,December 31, 2007. In January 2008, the Company retired its $350 million 6.625% Senior Notes.

The Company’s 7.375% Senior Notes due 2008 in the amount of $200 million are due within the next twelve months and are classified as current borrowings as of December 31, 2007.

As part of the Dow Jones acquisition, the Company assumed total debt of $378 million which consisted of: 3.875% notes due 2008 in the amount of $225 million, $131 million in commercial paper and a $22 million variable interest note. In December 2007, the Company retired all of the commercial paper outstanding and in February 2008, the Company will retire its $225 million 3.875% notes. (See Note 2 to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements of News Corporation for further discussion of the Dow Jones acquisition.)

Stock Repurchase Program

On June 13, 2005, the Company announced that its Board of Directors (the “Board”) approved a stock repurchase program, under which the Company was authorized to acquire up to an aggregate of $3.0 billion in Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock. In May 2006, the Company announced that the Board authorized increasing the total amount of the stock repurchase program to $6.0 billion. The remaining authorized amount under the Company’s stock repurchase program at September 30,December 31, 2007, excluding commissions, was approximately $2 billion.

Ratings of the Public Debt

The table below summarizes the Company’s current credit ratings.

 

Senior Debt

Outlook

Rating Agency

  Senior Debt  Outlook

Moody’s

  Baa 2  Stable

S&P

  BBB+  Stable

In October 2007, the Standard & Poors (the “S&P”) raised the Company’s credit rating to BBB+ with a Stable outlook. At the same time, the S&P removed the ratings of the Company from CreditWatch with positive implications.

Revolving Credit Agreement

On May 23, 2007, News America Incorporated (“NAI”), a subsidiary of the Company, terminated its existing $1.75 billion Revolving Credit Agreement (the “Prior Credit Agreement”) and entered into a new Credit Agreement (the “New Credit Agreement”), among NAI as Borrower, the Company as Parent Guarantor, the lenders named therein (the “Lenders”), Citibank, N.A. as Administrative Agent and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as Syndication Agent. The New Credit Agreement consists of a $2.25 billion five-year unsecured revolving credit facility with a sublimit of $600 million available for the issuance of letters of credit. Borrowings are in U.S. dollars only, while letters of credit are issuable in U.S. Dollars or Euros. The significant terms of the New Credit Agreement include, among others, the requirement that the Company maintain specific leverage ratios and limitations on secured indebtedness. The Company will pay a facility fee of 0.10%0.08% regardless of facility usage.

The Company will pay interest of a margin over LIBOR for borrowings and a letter of credit fee of 0.30%0.27%. The Company is subject to additional fees of 0.05% if borrowings under the facility exceed 50% of the committed facility. The interest and fees are based on the Company’s current debt rating. Under the New Credit Agreement, NAI may request an increase in the amount of the credit facility up to a maximum amount of $2.5 billion. The New Credit Agreement is available for the general corporate purposes of NAI, the Company and its subsidiaries. The maturity date is in May 2012, however, NAI may request that the Lenders’ commitments be renewed for up to two additional one year periods. At September 30,December 31, 2007, no amounts were outstanding under the New Credit Agreement.

Commitments

In July 2007, the Company entered into a contract with the Big Ten Conference for rights to telecast certain Big Ten Conference sporting events through fiscal 2032. The Company will pay approximately $2.8 billion over the term of the contract for these rights.

In November 2007, the Company entered into a long-term supply contract pursuant to which the Company will purchase paper for its newspaper printing facilities in the United Kingdom from a third party. The contract requires the Company to purchase a minimum of $590 million of paper from this third party through fiscal 2015.

In December 2007, as part of the Dow Jones acquisition, the Company assumed approximately $994 million of commitments previously entered into by Dow Jones which included $247 million of indebtedness at December 31, 2007.

Other than previously disclosed in the notes to these unaudited consolidated financial statements, the Company’s commitments have not changed significantly from disclosures included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007 filed with the SEC on August 23, 2007.

Guarantees

TheOther than previously disclosed in the notes to these unaudited consolidated financial statements, the Company’s guarantees have not changed significantly from disclosures included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007 filed with the SEC on August 23, 2007.

Contingencies

Other than previously disclosed in the notes to thesethe Company’s unaudited consolidated financial statements, the Company is party to several other purchase and sale arrangements which become exercisable over the next ten years by the Company or the counter-party to the agreement. In the next twelve months, none of these arrangements that become exercisable are material. Purchase arrangements that are exercisable by the counter-party to the agreement, and that are outside the sole control of the Company are accounted for in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force Topic No. D-98 “Classification and Measurement of Redeemable Securities.” Accordingly, the fair values of such purchase arrangements are classified in Minority interest liabilities.

The Company experiences routine litigation in the normal course of its business. The Company believes that none of its pending litigation will have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial condition, future results of operations or liquidity.

The Company’s operations are subject to tax in various domestic and international jurisdictions and as a matter of course, the Company is regularly audited by federal, state and foreign tax authorities. The Company believes it has appropriately accrued for the expected outcome of all pending tax matters and does not currently anticipate that the ultimate resolution of pending tax matters will have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial condition, future results of operations or liquidity.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 1—Basis of Presentation to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements of News Corporation for discussion of recent accounting pronouncements.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

ITEM 3.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The Company has exposure to several types of market risk: changes in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates and stock prices. The Company neither holds nor issues financial instruments for trading purposes.

The following sections provide quantitative information on the Company’s exposure to foreign currency exchange rate risk, interest rate risk and stock price risk. It makes use of sensitivity analyses that are inherently limited in estimating actual losses in fair value that can occur from changes in market conditions.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rates

The Company conducts operations in four principal currencies: the U.S. dollar, the British pound sterling, the Euro and the Australian dollar. These currencies operate as the functional currency for the Company’s U.S., European (including the United Kingdom) and Australian operations, respectively. Cash is managed centrally within each of the three regions with net earnings reinvested locally and working capital requirements met from existing liquid funds. To the extent such funds are not sufficient to meet working capital requirements, drawdowns in the appropriate local currency are available from intercompany borrowings. Since earnings of the Company’s Australian and European (including the United Kingdom) operations are expected to be reinvested in those businesses indefinitely, the Company does not hedge its investment in the net assets of those foreign operations.

At September 30,December 31, 2007, the Company’s outstanding financial instruments with foreign currency exchange rate risk exposure had an aggregate fair value of $136$188 million (including the Company’s non-U.S. dollar- denominateddollar-denominated fixed rate debt). The potential increase in the fair values of these instruments resulting from a 10% adverse change in quoted foreign currency exchange rates would be approximately $16$19 million at September 30,December 31, 2007.

Interest Rates

The Company’s current financing arrangements and facilities include $12.5$14.0 billion of outstanding debt with fixed interest and the New Credit Agreement, which carries variable interest. Fixed and variable rate debts are impacted differently by changes in interest rates. A change in the interest rate or yield of fixed rate debt will only impact the fair market value of such debt, while a change in the interest rate of variable debt will impact interest expense, as well as the amount of cash required to service such debt. As of September 30,December 31, 2007, substantially all of the Company’s financial instruments with exposure to interest rate risk were denominated in U.S. dollars and had an aggregate fair market value of $13.9$14.9 billion. The potential change in fair value for these financial instruments from an adverse 10% change in quoted interest rates across all maturities, often referred to as a parallel shift in the yield curve, would be approximately $591$725 million at September 30,December 31, 2007.

Stock Prices

The Company has common stock investments in several publicly traded companies that are subject to market price volatility. These investments principally represent the Company’s equity affiliates and had an aggregate fair value of approximately $23,426$21,542 million as of September 30,December 31, 2007. A hypothetical decrease in the market price of these investments of 10% would result in a fair value of approximately $21,084$19,388 million. Such a hypothetical decrease would result in a before tax decrease in comprehensive income of approximately $21$20 million, as any changes in fair value of the Company’s equity affiliates are not recognized unless deemed other-than-temporary, as these investments are accounted for under the equity method.

In accordance with SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” the Company has recorded the conversion feature embedded in its exchangeable debentures in other liabilities. At September 30,December 31, 2007, the fair value of this conversion feature was $434$255 million and this conversion feature is sensitive to movements in the share price of one of the Company’s publicly traded equity affiliates. A significant variance in the price of the underlying stock could have a material impact on the operating results of the Company. A 10% increase in the price of the underlying shares, holding other factors constant, would increase the fair value of the call option by approximately $137$98 million.

PART I

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

ITEM 4.CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

(a) Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company’s management, with the participation of the Company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15(d)-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report. Based on such evaluation, the Company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of such period, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective in recording, processing, summarizing and reporting, on a timely basis, information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act and were effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

(b) Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There has been no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15(d)-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the Company’s firstsecond quarter of fiscal 2008 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

ITEM 1.LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

See Note 12-Contingencies12—Contingencies to the unaudited consolidated financial statements, which is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

ITEM 1A.RISK FACTORS

Prospective investors should consider carefully the risk factors set forth below before making an investment in the Company’s securities.

A Decline in Advertising Expenditures Could Cause the Company’s Revenues and Operating Results to Decline Significantly in any Given Period or in Specific Markets.Markets.

The Company derives substantial revenues from the sale of advertising on or in its television stations, broadcast and cable networks, newspapers and inserts, websites and DBS services. Expenditures by advertisers tend to be cyclical, reflecting overall economic conditions, as well as budgeting and buying patterns. A decline in the economic prospects of advertisers or the economy in general could alter current or prospective advertisers’ spending priorities. Demand for the Company’s products is also a factor in determining advertising rates. For example, ratings points for the Company’s television stations, broadcast and cable networks and circulation levels for the Company’s newspapers are factors that are weighed when determining advertising rates, and with respect to the Company’s television stations and broadcast and television networks, when determining the affiliate rates received by the Company. In addition, newer technologies, including new video formats, streaming and downloading capabilities via the Internet, video-on-demand, personal video recorders and other devices and technologies are increasing the number of media and entertainment choices available to audiences. Some of these devices and technologies allow users to view television or motion pictures from a remote location or on a time- delayed basis and provide users the ability for users to fast-forward, rewind, pause and skip programming. These

technological developments are increasing the number of media and entertainment choices available to audiences and may cause changes in consumer behavior that could affect the attractiveness of the Company’s offerings to viewers, advertisers and/or distributors. A decrease in advertising expenditures or reduced demand for the Company’s offerings can lead to a reduction in pricing and advertising spending, which could have an adverse effect on the Company’s businesses.

Acceptance of the Company’s Film and Television Programming by the Public is Difficult to Predict, Which Could Lead to Fluctuations in Revenues.Revenues.

Feature film and television production and distribution are speculative businesses since the revenues derived from the production and distribution of a feature film or television series depend primarily upon its acceptance by the public, which is difficult to predict. The commercial success of a feature film or television series also depends upon the quality and acceptance of other competing films and television series released into the marketplace at or near the same time, the availability of a growing number of alternative forms of entertainment and leisure time activities, general economic conditions and other tangible and intangible factors, all of which can change and cannot be predicted with certainty. Further, the theatrical success of a feature film and the audience ratings for a television series are generally key factors in generating revenues from other distribution channels, such as home entertainment and premium pay television, with respect to feature films, and syndication, with respect to television series.

The Loss of Carriage Agreements Could Cause the Company’s Revenue and Operating Results to Decline Significantly in any Given Period or in Specific Markets.Markets.

The Company is dependent upon the maintenance of affiliation agreements with third-party owned television stations, and there can be no assurance that these affiliation agreements will be renewed in the future on terms acceptable to the Company. The loss of a significant number of these affiliation arrangements could reduce the distribution of FOX and MyNetworkTV and adversely affect the Company’s ability to sell national advertising time. Similarly, the Company’s cable networks maintain affiliation and carriage arrangements that enable them to reach a large percentage of cable and direct broadcast satellite households across the United States. The loss of a significant number of these arrangements or the loss of carriage on basic programming tiers could reduce the distribution of the Company’s cable networks, which may adversely affect those networks’ revenues from subscriber fees and their ability to sell national and local advertising time.

The Inability to Renew Sports Programming Rights Could Cause the Company’s Advertising Revenue to Decline Significantly in any Given Period or in Specific Markets.

The sports rights contracts between the Company, on the one hand, and various professional sports leagues and teams, on the other, have varying duration and renewal terms. As these contracts expire, renewals on favorable terms may be sought; however, third parties may outbid the current rights holders for the rights contracts. In addition, professional sports leagues or teams may create their own networks or the renewal costs could substantially exceed the original contract cost. The loss of rights could impact the extent of the sports coverage offered by the Company and its affiliates, as it relates to FOX, and could adversely affect the Company’s advertising and affiliate revenues. Upon renewal, the Company’s results could be adversely affected if escalations in sports programming rights costs are unmatched by increases in advertising rates and, in the case of cable networks, subscriber fees.

Technological Developments May Increase the Threat of Content Piracy and Signal Theft and Limit the Company’s Ability to Protect Its Intellectual Property Rights.

The Company seeks to limit the threat of content piracy and DBS programming signal theft; however, policing unauthorized use of the Company’s products and services and related intellectual property is often difficult and the steps taken by the Company may not in every case prevent the infringement by unauthorized third parties.

third parties. Developments in technology, including digital copying, file compressing and the growing penetration of high-bandwidth Internet connections, increase the threat of content piracy by making it easier to duplicate and widely distribute pirated material. In addition, developments in software or devices that circumvent encryption technology increase the threat of unauthorized use and distribution of DBS programming signals. The Company has taken, and will continue to take, a variety of actions to combat piracy and signal theft, both individually and, in some instances, together with industry associations. There can be no assurance that the Company’s efforts to enforce its rights and protect its products, services and intellectual property will be successful in preventing content piracy or signal theft. Content piracy and signal theft present a threat to the Company’s revenues from products and services, including, but not limited to, films, television shows, books and DBS programming.

Labor Disputes May Have an Adverse Effect on the Company’s Business.

In a variety of the Company’s business, the Company and its partners engage the services of writers, directors, actors and other talent, trade employees and others who are subject to collective bargaining agreements, including employees of the Company’s film and television studio operations and newspapers. If the Company or its partners are unable to renew expiring collective bargaining agreements, certain of which have or are expiring within the next year or so, it is possible that the affected unions could take action in the form of strikes or work stoppages. Such actions, as well as higher costs in connection with these collective bargaining agreements or a significant labor dispute could have an adverse effect on the Company’s business by causing delays in production or by reducing profit margins. On November 5, 2007, the Writers Guild of America (East and West) (the “WGA”) commenced a strike against film and television studios following the expiration of its collective bargaining agreement on October 31, 2007. The Company’s Filmed Entertainment and Television segments and certain of its suppliers retain the services of writers who are members of the WGA. The WGA strike, depending on its duration, may cause delays in the production and/or release dates of the Company’s television programs and feature films, and may result in higher costs due to the strike itself or less favorable terms for the Company of a future agreement with the WGA. The Company is currently unable to estimate the impact of the WGA strike on the Company’s revenues and operating income, if any.

Changes in U.S. or Foreign Communications Laws and Other Regulations May Have an Adverse Effect on the Company’s Business.

In general, the television broadcasting and multichannel video programming and distribution industries in the United States are highly regulated by federal laws and regulations issued and administered by various federal agencies, including the FCC. The FCC generally regulates, among other things, the ownership of media, broadcast and multichannel video programming and technical operations of broadcast and satellite licensees. Further, the United States Congress and the FCC currently have under consideration, and may in the future adopt, new laws, regulations and policies regarding a wide variety of matters, including technological changes, which could, directly or indirectly, affect the operations and ownership of the Company’s U.S. media properties. Similarly, changes in regulations imposed by governments in other jurisdictions in which the Company, or entities in which the Company has an interest, operate could adversely affect its business and results of operations.

Provisions in the Company’s Corporate Documents, Delaware Law and the Ownership of the Company’s Class B Common Stock by Certain Principal Stockholders Could Delay or Prevent a Change of Control of News Corporation, Even if That Change Would be Beneficial to the Company’s Stockholders.

The existence of some provisions in the Company’s corporate documents could delay or prevent a change of control of News Corporation, even if that change would be beneficial to the Company’s stockholders. The Company’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated By-laws, contain provisions that may make acquiring control of News Corporation difficult, including:

 

provisions relating to the classification, nomination and removal of directors;

 

a provision prohibiting stockholder action by written consent;

provisions regulating the ability of the Company’s stockholders to bring matters for action before annual and special meetings of the Company’s stockholders; and

 

the authorization given to the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) to issue and set the terms of preferred stock.

In addition, the Company currently has in place a stockholder rights plan, which would cause extreme dilution to any person or group that attempts to acquire a significant interest in the Company without advance approval of the Board. Further, as a result of Mr. K. Rupert Murdoch’s ability to appoint certain members of the board of directors of the corporate trustee of the Murdoch Family Trust, which beneficially owns 1.6%0.8% of the Company’s Class A Common Stock and 30.1% of the Class B Common Stock, Mr. K. Rupert Murdoch may be deemed to be a beneficial owner of the shares beneficially owned by the Murdoch Family Trust. Mr. K. Rupert Murdoch, however, disclaims any beneficial ownership of those shares. Also, Mr. K. Rupert Murdoch beneficially owns an additional 1.1% of the Class A Common Stock and 1.1% of the Class B Common Stock. Thus, Mr. K. Rupert Murdoch may be deemed to beneficially own in the aggregate 2.7%1.9% of the Class A Common Stock and 31.2% of the Class B Common Stock. If the Share Exchange Agreement is consummated, the Company intends to redeem the rights issued under the stockholder rights plan at that time and to take the necessary steps to declassify its classified board structure. Further, if the Share Exchange Agreement is consummated, the aggregate voting power represented by the shares of Class B Common Stock held by Mr. K. Rupert Murdoch and the Murdoch Family Trust would increase to approximately 38.6% of the Company’s aggregate voting power, subject to further increase to approximately 39.9%40.0% if the Company completes its previously announced stock repurchase program.

ITEM 2.UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

In June 2005, the Company announced a stock repurchase program under which the Company is authorized to acquire from time to time up to an aggregate of $3 billion in Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock. In May 2006, the Company announced that the Board increased the total amount of the stock repurchase program to $6 billion.

Below is a summary of the Company’s purchases of its Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock during the three months ended September 30, 2007:Not applicable.

 

   Total Number
of Shares
Purchased
  Average Price
per Share
  Total Cost of
Purchase
         (in millions)

Common Stock—July Class A

  —    $—    $—  

Common Stock—July Class B

  —     —     —  

Common Stock—August Class A

  4,500,000   20.46   92

Common Stock—August Class B

  —     —     —  

Common Stock—September Class A

  1,500,000   20.25   30

Common Stock—September Class B

  —     —     —  
         

Total

  6,000,000    $122

The remaining authorized amount at September 30, 2007, excluding commission under the Company’s stock repurchase program was approximately $2,027 million.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

ITEM 3.DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

Not applicable.

ITEM 4.ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

The Company held its Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) on October 19, 2007. A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERSbrief description of the matters voted upon at the Annual Meeting and the results of the voting on such matters is set forth below.

Not applicable.Proposal 1: The following individuals were elected as Class I Directors:

Name

  For  Withheld

K. Rupert Murdoch

  835,005,276  2,298,509

Peter L. Barnes

  836,455,569  2,190,170

Kenneth E. Cowley

  832,929,601  4,890,700

David F. DeVoe

  826,958,107  9,087,771

Viet Dinh

  834,562,322  4,092,127

Proposal 2: A proposal to ratify the selection of Ernst & Young LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008 was voted upon as follows:

For:

834,420,201

Against:

3,172,372

Abstain:

939,089

Proposal 3: A stockholder proposal on the annual election of directors was voted upon as follows:

For:

139,626,577

Against:

666,560,172

Abstain:

8,524,483

Proposal 4: A stockholder proposal on the elimination of the Company’s dual class capital structure was voted upon as follows:

For:

184,952,845

Against:

620,955,265

Abstain:

8,550,721

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 5.OTHER INFORMATION

Not applicable.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

(a) Exhibits.

ITEM 6.EXHIBITS

 

(a)    Exhibits.
2.1  4.1  Registration Rights Agreement, and Plan of Merger,dated November 14, 2007, by and among Dow Jones & Company, Inc.,News America Incorporated, News Corporation Ruby Newco LLC and Diamond Merger Sub Corporation, datedJ.P. Morgan Securities Inc. as of July 31, 2007. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Current Report of News Corporation on Form 8-K (File No. 001-32352) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 1, 2007.)Initial Purchaser.*
10.1Voting and Support Agreement, by and among News Corporation and the signatory stockholders thereto, dated as of July 31, 2007. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report of News Corporation on Form 8-K (File No. 001-32352) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 1, 2007.)
10.2  4.2  Form of Agreement, byNotes representing $1.25 billion principal amount of 6.65% Senior Notes due 2037 and among Dow Jones & Company, Inc. News Corporation and the Special Committee. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Current ReportOfficers’ Certificate of News Corporation on Form 8-K (File No. 001-32352) filed withrelating thereto, dated November 14, 2007, pursuant to Section 301 of the SecuritiesAmended and Exchange Commission on August 1, 2007.)Restated Indenture, dated as of March 24, 1993, as supplemented, among News America Incorporated, the Guarantor named therein and The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation, as Trustee.*
12.1  Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.*
31.1  Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Certification required by Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.*
31.2  Chief Financial Officer Certification required by Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.*
32.1  Certification of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002.*

*Filed herewith.

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

NEWS CORPORATION
(Registrant)

By:

 

/s/    DavidDAVID F. DeVoeDEVOE        

 David F. DeVoe
 

Senior Executive Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer

Date: November 7, 2007February 6, 2008

 

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