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 March 31,September 30, 2008

or

 

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

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) 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, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer  x    Accelerated filer  ¨    Non-accelerated filer  ¨    Smaller reporting company  ¨

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 May 5,November 3, 2008, 1,818,488,0281,815,035,574 shares of Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, and 798,520,953 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 nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2008 and 2007

 3
   

Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31,September 30, 2008 (unaudited) and June 30, 20072008 (audited)

 4
   

Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the ninethree months ended March 31,September 30, 2008 and 2007

 5

Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity for the nine months ended March 31, 2008

6
   

Notes to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

 76
  Item 2. 

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

 4536
  Item 3. 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 6553
  Item 4. 

Controls and Procedures

 6654

Part II. Other Information

 
  Item 1. 

Legal Proceedings

 6654
  Item 1A. 

Risk Factors

 6654
  Item 2. 

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 6957
  Item 3. 

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 6957
  Item 4. 

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

 6957
  Item 5. 

Other Information

 6957
  Item 6. 

Exhibits

 7058
  Signature 7159

NEWS CORPORATION

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(in millions, except per share amounts)

 

  For the three months
ended March 31,
 For the nine months
ended March 31,
   For the three months
ended September 30,
 
    2008         2007     2008 2007       ��2008           2007      

Revenues

  $8,750  $7,530  $24,407  $21,288   $7,509  $7,067 

Expenses:

        

Operating

   5,452   4,922   15,303   14,017    4,572   4,408 

Selling, general and administrative

   1,568   1,145   4,300   3,400    1,688   1,290 

Depreciation and amortization

   292   224   901   637    296   322 
                    

Operating income

   1,438   1,239   3,903   3,234    953   1,047 

Other income (expense):

        

Equity earnings of affiliates

   109   255   305   747 

Equity (losses) earnings of affiliates

   (359)  246 

Interest expense, net

   (244)  (220)  (702)  (632)   (221)  (213)

Interest income

   37   79   215   226    40   100 

Other, net

   1,673   47   1,860   493    304   —   
                    

Income before income tax expense and minority interest in subsidiaries

   3,013   1,400   5,581   4,068    717   1,180 

Income tax expense

   (300)  (517)  (1,234)  (1,486)   (181)  (414)

Minority interest in subsidiaries, net of tax

   (19)  (12)  (89)  (46)   (21)  (34)
                    

Net income

  $2,694  $871  $4,258  $2,536   $515  $732 
                    

Per share amounts:

     

Basic earnings

  $0.92   $1.39  

Class A

   $0.29   $0.85 

Class B

   $0.24   $0.71 

Diluted earnings

  $0.91   $1.38  

Class A

   $0.29   $0.84 

Class B

   $0.24   $0.70 

Weighted average shares:

   

Basic

   2,611   3,127 

Diluted

   2,613   3,139 

Earnings per share—basic and diluted

  $0.20  $0.23 

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
March 31,
2008
  At
June 30,
2007
  At
September 30,
2008
  At
June 30,
2008
  (unaudited)  (audited)  (unaudited)  (audited)

Assets

    

Assets:

    

Current assets:

        

Cash and cash equivalents

  $3,244  $7,654  $5,500  $4,662

Receivables, net

   7,592   5,842   6,804   6,985

Inventories, net

   2,437   2,039   2,420   2,255

Other

   533   371   576   460
            

Total current assets

   13,806   15,906   15,300   14,362
            

Non-current assets:

        

Receivables

   528   437   430   464

Investments

   3,988   11,413   2,667   3,284

Inventories, net

   2,917   2,626   3,263   3,064

Property, plant and equipment, net

   6,726   5,617   6,552   7,021

Intangible assets, net

   14,261   11,703   13,778   14,460

Goodwill

   18,380   13,819   18,160   18,620

Other non-current assets

   1,314   822   1,041   1,033
            

Total assets

  $61,920  $62,343  $61,191  $62,308
            

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

    

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity:

    

Current liabilities:

        

Borrowings

  $289  $355  $290  $281

Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities

   6,187   4,545   5,928   5,695

Participations, residuals and royalties payable

   1,474   1,185   1,263   1,288

Program rights payable

   1,131   940   1,035   1,084

Deferred revenue

   939   469   953   834
            

Total current liabilities

   10,020   7,494   9,469   9,182
            

Non-current liabilities:

        

Borrowings

   13,208   12,147   13,199   13,230

Other liabilities

   5,023   3,319   4,480   4,823

Deferred income taxes

   5,187   5,899   5,207   5,456

Minority interest in subsidiaries

   1,046   562   1,016   994

Commitments and contingencies

        

Stockholders’ Equity:

        

Class A common stock (1)

   18   21   18   18

Class B common stock (2)

   8   10   8   8

Additional paid-in capital

   17,289   27,333   17,201   17,214

Retained earnings and accumulated other comprehensive income

   10,121   5,558   10,593   11,383
            

Total stockholders’ equity

   27,436   32,922   27,820   28,623
            

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

  $61,920  $62,343  $61,191  $62,308
            

 

(1)

Class A common stock, $0.01 par value $0.01 per share, 6,000,000,000 shares authorized, 1,816,873,2921,814,751,565 shares and 2,139,585,5711,810,382,625 shares issued and outstanding, net of 1,776,973,8841,776,865,836 and 1,777,593,6981,776,890,952 treasury shares at par at March 31,September 30, 2008 and June 30, 2007,2008, respectively.

(2)

Class B common stock, $0.01 par value $0.01 per share, 3,000,000,000 shares authorized, 798,520,953 shares and 986,520,953 shares issued and outstanding, net of 313,721,702 treasury shares at par at March 31,September 30, 2008 and June 30, 2007, respectively.2008.

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 nine months
ended March 31,
   For the three months
ended September 30,
 
2008 2007      2008         2007     

Operating activities:

      

Net income

  $4,258  $2,536   $515  $732 

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

      

Depreciation and amortization

   901   637    296   322 

Amortization of cable distribution investments

   57   56    23   12 

Equity earnings of affiliates

   (305)  (747)

Equity losses (earnings) of affiliates

   359   (246)

Cash distributions received from affiliates

   193   145    30   19 

Other, net

   (1,860)  (493)   (304)  —   

Minority interest in subsidiaries, net of tax

   89   46    21   34 

Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:

      

Receivables and other assets

   (1,562)  (546)   (199)  (719)

Inventories, net

   (598)  (593)   (442)  (215)

Accounts payable and other liabilities

   1,457   1,487    (59)  864 
              

Net cash provided by operating activities

   2,630   2,528    240   803 
              

Investing activities:

      

Property, plant and equipment, net of acquisitions

   (1,027)  (904)   (213)  (343)

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

   (5,491)  (589)   (65)  (239)

Investments in equity affiliates

   (133)  (120)   (15)  (35)

Other investments

   (589)  (316)   (16)  3 

Proceeds from sale of investments and other non-current assets

   385   410 

Proceeds from sale of investments, other non-current assets and business disposals

   1,010   289 
              

Net cash used in investing activities

   (6,855)  (1,519)

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

   701   (325)
              

Financing activities:

      

Borrowings

   1,255   1,181    38   10 

Repayment of borrowings

   (713)  (190)   (33)  —   

Issuance of shares

   76   350    3   39 

Repurchase of shares

   (672)  (783)   —     (122)

Dividends paid

   (203)  (186)   (7)  (2)

Other, net

   19   —      18   22 
              

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

   (238)  372 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

   19   (53)
              

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

   (4,463)  1,381 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

   960   425 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

   7,654   5,783    4,662   7,654 

Exchange movement on opening cash balance

   53   82 

Exchange movement of opening cash balance

   (122)  39 
              

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

  $3,244  $7,246   $5,500  $8,118 
              

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

NEWS CORPORATION

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(in millions)

   For the nine months ended
March 31, 2008
 
        Shares              Amount       

Class A common stock:

   

Balance, beginning of period

  2,139  $21 

Shares issued

  8   —   

Shares repurchased

  (330)  (3)
        

Balance, end of period

  1,817   18 
        

Class B common stock:

   

Balance, beginning of period

  987   10 

Shares repurchased

  (188)  (2)
        

Balance, end of period

  799   8 
        

Additional Paid-In Capital:

   

Balance, beginning of period

    27,333 

Acquisitions

    31 

Issuance of shares

    35 

Repurchase of shares

    (10,313)

Other

    203 
      

Balance, end of period

    17,289 
      

Retained Earnings:

   

Balance, beginning of period

    4,613 

Net income

    4,258 

Dividends declared

    (338)
      

Balance, end of period

    8,533 
      

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income:

   

Balance, beginning of period

    945 

Other comprehensive income, net of income tax benefit of $68 million

    643 
      

Balance, end of period

    1,588 
      

Retained Earnings and accumulated other comprehensive income, end of period

    10,121 
      

Total Stockholders’ Equity

   $27,436 
      

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.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 entertainmentglobal media 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, 2008.2009.

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, 20072008 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on August 23, 2007.13, 2008.

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 accounteddesignated as available-for-sale if readily determinable fair values are available. If an investment’s fair value is not readily determinable, the Company accounts for its investment 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 20072008 amounts have been reclassified to conform to the fiscal 20082009 presentation.

The Company maintains a 52-53 week fiscal year ending on the Sunday nearest to each reporting date. As such, all references to March 31,September 30, 2008 and March 31,September 30, 2007 relate to the three and nine month periods ended March 30,September 28, 2008 and April 1,September 30, 2007, respectively. For convenience purposes, the Company continues to date its financial statements as of March 31.September 30.

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

 

  For the three months
ended March 31,
  For the nine months
ended March 31,
  For the three months
ended September 30,
 
2008   2007  2008   2007      2008         2007     
(in millions)  (in millions) 

Net income, as reported

  $2,694   $871  $4,258   $2,536  $515  $732 

Other comprehensive income:

           

Foreign currency translation adjustments

   375    150   782    466   (1,132)  329 

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

   (118)   14   (146)   98

Pension liability adjustment

   7    —     7    —  

Unrealized holding losses on securities, net of tax

   (18)  (82)

Pension plan adjustment

   2   —   
                     

Total comprehensive income

  $2,958   $1,035  $4,901   $3,100

Total comprehensive (loss) income

  $(633) $979 
                     

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

On July 1, 2007,2008, 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. The increase in the accrued balance during the nine months ended March 31, 2008 was $301 million. The nine month movement includes $27 million of acquired unrecognized tax benefits from Dow Jones & Company Inc. (“Dow Jones”), which the Company acquired in December 2007. 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 Liabilities 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 increase in the accrual for interest for the nine months ended March 31, 2008 was $100 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 has 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 September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS No. 157”), which for its financial assets and liabilities. SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a new framework for measuring thatfair value and expands the required disclosures about fair value measurements. (See Note 6—Fair Value) SFAS No. 157 will require, among other things, expanded disclosure aboutcurrently applies to the fair value measurements that have a significant portion of the value determined using unobservable inputs (level 3 measurements). The standard applies prospectively to new fair value measurements performed after the required effective dates, which are as follows for the Company: in the first quarter of fiscal 2009, the standard will apply to the Company’s measurements of the fair values of financial instruments and recurring fair value measurements of non-financial assets and liabilities; in the first quarter of fiscal 2010, the standardSFAS No. 157 will apply to all remaining fair value measurements, including non-recurring measurements of non-financial assets and liabilities, such as measurement of potential impairments of goodwill, other intangible assets, other long-lived assets and non-financial assets held by a pension plan. It also will apply to fair value measurements of non-financial assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations. The Company is currently evaluating what effects, if any, the adoption ofimpact these additional SFAS No. 157 provisions will have on the Company’s future results of operations andconsolidated financial condition.statements.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities—Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115” (“SFAS No. 159”No.159”) which allows companies, effective as of the beginning of the first fiscal year that begins after November 15, 2007. SFAS 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value.value with changes in fair value recognized in earnings for each reporting period. The provisions of SFAS No. 159 will become effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2009. The Company is currently evaluating what effects theCompany’s adoption of SFAS No. 159 willon July 1, 2008 did not have any effect on the Company’s future results of operationconsolidated financial statements as the Company did not elect any eligible items for fair value measurement.

Note 2—Acquisitions, Disposals and financial condition.Other Transactions

Fiscal 2009 Transactions

Disposals

In December 2007,July 2008, the FASBCompany completed the sale of eight of its owned-and-operated FOX network affiliated television stations (the “Stations”) for approximately $1 billion in cash. The Stations included: 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. In connection with the transaction, the Stations entered into new affiliation agreements with the Company to receive network programming and assumed existing contracts with the Company for syndicated programming. In addition, the Company recorded a gain of approximately $232 million in Other, net in the unaudited consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2008.

On August 14, 2008, the Company, two newly incorporated subsidiaries of funds advised by Permira Advisers LLP (the “Permira Newcos”) and the Company’s majority owned, publicly held subsidiary, NDS Group plc (“NDS”) announced that the Company and the Permira Newcos signed an agreement (the “Agreement”) with NDS pursuant to which all issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations” (“SFAS No. 141R”). SFAS No. 141R significantly changesand outstanding shares of NDS Series A ordinary shares, including those represented by American Depositary Shares traded on The NASDAQ Stock Market, would be acquired for per-share consideration of $63 in cash. If consummated, the accountingtransactions contemplated in the Agreement (the “Proposed Transaction”) would result in NDS ceasing to be a public company and the Permira Newcos and the Company owning approximately 51% and 49% of NDS, respectively. As part of the Proposed Transaction, approximately 67% of the NDS Series B ordinary shares held by the Company will be exchanged for business combinations$63 per share in a numbermix of cash of approximately $1.5 billion and a $242 million vendor note. The Proposed Transaction is

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

areas, includingconditioned upon, among other things, the treatmentapproval of contingent consideration, preacquisition contingencies, transaction costs, in-process researchthe Proposed Transaction by holders of NDS’ Series A ordinary shares, the approval of the High Court of Justice of England and developmentWales, the receipt of certain regulatory approvals, the receipt of funding by NDS and restructuring costs. In addition, under SFAS No. 141R, changes in an acquired entity’s deferred tax assets and uncertain tax positions aftercertain other customary closing conditions. There can be no assurance that the measurement period will impact income tax expense. SFAS No. 141R will become effective for the Company 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, whichProposed Transaction 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 will become effective for the Company 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.

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133” (“SFAS No. 161”). SFAS No. 161 requires enhanced disclosures related to an entities derivative and hedging activities. SFAS No. 161 will become effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2010. The Company is currently evaluating what effects, if any, the adoption of SFAS No. 161 will have on the Company’s future derivative and hedging activity disclosures.

Note 2—Acquisitions, Disposals and Other Transactionsconsummated.

Fiscal 2008 Transactions

Acquisitions

In July 2007, the Company acquired Photobucket, a web-based provider of photo-andphoto- and video-sharing services, for initial considerationa total purchase price of approximately $262 million, of which $237 million was in cash.cash and $25 million was in deferred consideration which was paid during the first quarter of fiscal 2009. Additional consideration of up to $50$25 million may be payable contingent upon the achievement of certain performance objectives.

On December 13, 2007, the Company completed the acquisition of Dow Jones & Company, Inc. (“Dow Jones”) pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of July 31, 2007, by and among the Company, Ruby Newco LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (“Ruby Newco”), Dow Jones and Diamond Merger Sub Corporation, as amended (the “Merger Agreement”). Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, each outstanding share of Dow Jones common stock was converted into the right to receive, at the election of the holder, either (x) $60.00 in cash or (y) 2.8681 Class B common units of Ruby Newco. Each Class B common unit of Ruby Newco is convertible after a period of time into a share of News Corporation Class A common stock.stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Class A Common Stock”). The consideration for the acquisition was approximately $5,700 million which consistsconsisted of: $5,100$5,150 million in cash, assumed net debt of approximately $330 million and approximately $200 million in equity instruments and the Company anticipates making additional acquisition related cash payments of $50 million during the remainder of fiscal 2008.instruments. The results of Dow Jones have been included in the Company’s unaudited consolidated statementstatements of operations from December 13, 2007, the date of acquisition.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 rate note. As of March 31,September 30, 2008, only the $22 million variable interest rate note was outstanding.

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

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 stock units (“RSUs”) over the Company’s Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Class A Common Stock”).Stock. The total fair value of these instruments was approximately $200 million. As of September 30, 2008 approximately 7.5 million Class B common units of Ruby Newco had been converted into shares of Class A Common Stock.

The Company believes that this 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.

The following unaudited pro forma consolidated statements of operations give effect to the Company’s acquisition of Dow Jones, as if the acquisition had occurred on July 1, 2006.

   For the three months ended
March 31,
  For the nine months ended
March 31,
  2007(1)  2008  2007 (1)
  (in millions, except per share amounts)

Revenue

  $8,032  $25,385  $22,678

Net income

   844   4,236   2,456

Per share amounts:

      

Basic earnings

    $1.38  

Class A

  $0.28    $0.82

Class B

  $0.23    $0.68

Diluted earnings

    $1.37  

Class A

  $0.28    $0.81

Class B

  $0.23    $0.68

(1)

Excludes discontinued operations

The unaudited pro forma data is provided for informational purposes only. The pro forma information is not necessarily indicative of the results that would have been obtained had the acquisition 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.

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Under the purchase method of accounting, the total Dow Jones purchase price is allocated to Dow Jones net tangible and intangible assets based upon Dow Jones’ estimated fair value as of the date of completion of the acquisition. Based upon the purchase price and the valuation performed, the preliminary purchase price allocation, which is subject to change based on the Company’s final analysis, is as follows:follows (in millions):

 

  As of March 31,
2008
(in millions)

Assets acquired:

    

Current assets

  $337  $339

Property, plant and equipment

   525   577

Other assets

   399   52

Intangible assets

   2,231   2,338

Goodwill

   4,075   4,261
      

Total assets acquired

  $7,567  $7,567
      

Liabilities assumed:

    

Current liabilities

  $515  $592

Deferred income taxes

   709   639

Deferred revenue

   218   226

Other liabilities

   437   418

Borrowings

   378   378
      

Total liabilities assumed

   2,257   2,253

Minority interest in subsidiaries

   165   165
      

Net assets acquired

  $5,145  $5,149
      

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$700 million to amortizable intangible assets primarily consisting of subscriber relationship intangible assets. The pattern of economic benefits to be derived from certain amortizable intangible assets with ais estimated to be greater in the initial period of ownership; accordingly, amortization expense is recognized on an accelerated basis over the remaining weighted-average useful life of 25 years. The Company also allocated, on a preliminary basis, approximately $1,600 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$4,300 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 Goodwillgoodwill 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 on average by approximately $1 million per fiscal year, representing amortization expense assuming an average useful life of 25 years.

Actual allocations may differ from thesethe allocations described above once the Company has completed the valuation studies necessary to finalize the required purchase price allocations. There can be no assurance that this finalization will not result in material changes to the purchase price allocation described above.

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

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.segment. These purchase

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

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.

Disposals

In November 2007, Dow Jones announced that it would explore strategic alternatives for During the Ottaway Community Newspapers (the “Ottaway Newspapers”), whichthree months ended September 30, 2008, the Company acquiredrecorded additional amounts relating to separation payments and non-cancelable lease commitments 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. As of the acquisition of Dow Jones, the assets and liabilities of the Ottaway Newspapers were classified as assets held for sale. Assets held for sale of $25 million and $334 million are included in Other current assets and Other non-current assets, respectively, and liabilities related to assets held for sale of $23 million are included in other current liabilitiespurchase accounting adjustments.

Changes in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet at March 31, 2008.plan liabilities are as follows (in millions):

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, (a) regulatory approvals, and (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. The transaction is expected to be completed in the third calendar quarter of 2008.

   For the three
months ended
September 30,
2008
 

Beginning of period

  $180 

Additions

   15 

Payments

   (27)
     

End of period

  $168 
     

Share Exchange Agreement

In February 2008, the Company closed the previously announced transactiontransactions contemplated by the share exchange agreement (the “Share Exchange Agreement”) with Liberty Media Corporation (“Liberty”). Pursuant to the terms of the Share Exchange Agreement, Liberty exchanged its entire interest in the Company’s common stock (approximately 325 million shares of Class A Common Stock and 188 million shares of News Corporation Class B Common Stock) for 100% of the stock of a wholly-owned subsidiary, of the Company, whose holdings consisted of the Company’s approximatelyapproximate 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 (FSN Northwest, FSN Pittsburgh and FSN Rocky Mountain) (the “Three RSNs”) and approximately $625 million in cash (the “Exchange”). The Exchange resulted in the divestiture of the Company’s entire interest in DIRECTV, and the Three RSNs to Liberty. The consideration was negotiated between the parties and the Share Exchange Agreement was approved by the disinterested stockholders of the Company. A tax-free gain of $1.7 billion on the Exchange was recognized in Other, net in the unaudited consolidated statementstatements of operations for the three and nine months ended March 31,in fiscal 2008. Upon closing of the Share Exchange, Agreement, the Company entered into a non-competition agreement with DIRECTV and non-competition agreements with each of the Three RSNs, in

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

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 were operating on the closing date of the Share Exchange Agreement.

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.

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.

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 rights in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Topic No. D-98, “Classification and Measurement of Redeemable Securities” (“EITF D-98”) because their exercise is outside the control of the Company and, accordingly, as of June 30, 2007 and as of March 31, 2008, has reflected the accreted value of the put right in minority interest in subsidiaries in its 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 March 31, 2008, 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 which was paid during the third quarter of fiscal 2008. 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.

In accordance with 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.

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

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

Other Transactions

In fiscal 2007, the Company restructured the ownership interest in one of its majority-owned Regional Sports Networks (“RSNs”). The minority shareholder has a put right related to its 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 March 31, 2008, 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.

The Company previously entered into an agreement with a direct response marketing company that provided the Company with participation rights if the direct response marketing company is ever sold or consummates certain other strategic transactions. In December 2006, the Company entered into an agreement to terminate the participation rights for $100 million, of which $50 million payments were received by the Company in each of December 2006 and March 2007. This transaction closed in March 2007 and the Company recorded a gain of approximately $97 million on this transaction which is included in Other, net in the unaudited consolidated statements of operations.

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 consistconsisted of:

 

  At March 31,
2008
 At June 30,
2007
   At September 30,
2008
 At June 30,
2008
 
(in millions)   (in millions) 

Total Receivables

  $9,322  $7,381 

Total receivables

  $8,244  $8,538 

Allowances for returns and doubtful accounts

   (1,202)  (1,102)   (1,010)  (1,089)
              

Total receivables, net

   8,120   6,279    7,234   7,449 

Less: current receivables, net

   7,592   5,842    6,804   6,985 
              

Non-current receivables, net

  $528  $437   $430  $464 
              

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.

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.

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NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

newspaper operations. The Program is in response to the reduced workforce that will be required as new printing presses and the new printing facilities come on line. As a result of this Program, the Company expects to reduce its production workforce by approximately 65%, and, as of March 31, 2008, over 700 employees in the United Kingdom had already accepted severance agreements and had left or 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 March 31,
   For the nine months
ended March 31,
 
      2008           2007       2008   2007 
  (in millions)   (in millions) 

Beginning of period

  $86   $123   $127   $109 

Additions (included in Operating expenses)

   5    7    20    17 

Payments

   (26)   (1)   (81)   (3)

Foreign exchange movements

   —      1    (1)   7 
                    

End of period

  $65   $130   $65   $130 
                    

At March 31, 2008, all the Program liabilities were included in other current liabilities in the unaudited consolidated balance sheet and are expected to be paid in cash to employees during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008.

Note 5—Inventories, net

The Company’s inventories were comprised of the following:

 

   At March 31,
2008
  At June 30,
2007
 
  (in millions) 

Programming rights

  $2,810  $2,390 

Books, DVDs, paper and other merchandise

   526   497 

Filmed entertainment costs:

   

Films:

   

Released (including acquired film libraries)

   505   557 

Completed, not released

   88   —   

In production

   666   450 

In development or preproduction

   74   82 
         
   1,333   1,089 
         

Television productions:

   

Released (including acquired libraries)

   475   487 

Completed, not released

   —     13 

In production

   209   185 

In development or preproduction

   1   4 
         
   685   689 
         

Total filmed entertainment costs, less accumulated amortization(a)

   2,018   1,778 
         

Total inventories, net

   5,354   4,665 

Less: current portion of inventories, net(b)

   (2,437)  (2,039)
         

Total non-current inventories, net

  $2,917  $2,626 
         

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

   At September 30,
2008
  At June 30,
2008
 
   (in millions) 

Programming rights

  $2,809  $2,645 

Books, DVDs, paper and other merchandise

   525   510 

Filmed entertainment costs:

   

Films:

   

Released (including acquired film libraries)

   470   475 

Completed, not released

   79   102 

In production

   926   806 

In development or preproduction

   58   54 
         
   1,533   1,437 
         

Television productions:

   

Released (including acquired libraries)

   460   469 

In production

   356   256 

In development or preproduction

   —     2 
         
   816  ��727 
         

Total filmed entertainment costs, less accumulated amortization(a)

   2,349   2,164 
         

Total inventories, net

   5,683   5,319 

Less: current portion of inventory, net(b)

   (2,420)  (2,255)
         

Total noncurrent inventories, net

  $3,263  $3,064 
         

 

(a)

Does not include $530$514 million and $553$522 million of net intangible film library costs as of March 31,September 30, 2008 and June 30, 2007,2008, respectively, which are included in intangible assets subject to amortization in the consolidated balance sheets.

(b)

Current inventory as of March 31,September 30, 2008 and June 30, 20072008 was comprised of programming rights ($1,9471,929 million and $1,578$1,781 million, respectively), books, DVDs, paper and other merchandise.

Note 6—Investments

The Company’s investments were comprised of the following:

     Ownership
Percentage
  At March 31,
2008
 At June 30,
2007
        (in millions)

Equity investments:

    

The DIRECTV Group, Inc.(1)

  DBS operator principally in the U.S.  $—   $7,224

Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc.(2)

  U.S. print and electronic guidance company 41%  788  717

British Sky Broadcasting Group plc (2)

  U.K. DBS operator 39%  1,081  1,193

China Network Systems (3)

  Taiwan cable TV operator   —    242

Sky Network Television Ltd.

  New Zealand media company 44%  342  314

National Geographic Channel (US) (4)

  U.S. cable channel 67%  —    316

Other equity method investments

   various   787  771

Premiere AG (5)

  German pay-TV operator   470  —  

Other investments

   various   520  636
         
    $3,988 $11,413
         

(1)

In February 2008, the Company closed the Share Exchange Agreement in which the Company exchanged its holdings of a wholly-owned subsidiary that held the Company’s approximate 41% interest in DIRECTV (approximately 470 million shares) and other assets for Liberty’s entire interest in the Company’s common stock. (See Note 2—Acquisitions, Disposals and Other Transactions for further discussion of the Share Exchange Agreement)

(2)

The market values of the Company’s investments in Gemstar-TV Guide International Inc. (“Gemstar-TV Guide”) and British Sky Broadcasting Group plc (“BSkyB”) were $813 million and $7,668 million, respectively, at March 31, 2008. In December 2007, Macrovision Corporation agreed to acquire Gemstar-TV Guide in a cash and stock transaction. (See Fiscal Year 2008 Acquisitions, Disposals and Other Transactions below for further discussion)

(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. In February and March 2008, the Company and its joint venture partner sold the remaining cable systems in Taiwan. (See Fiscal Year 2008 Acquisitions, Disposals and Other Transactions below for further discussion)

(4)

Effective September 30, 2007, National Geographic Television agreed to give the Company operating 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 Acquisitions, Disposals and Other Transactions below for further discussion)

(5)

During the third quarter of fiscal 2008, the Company entered into a series of purchase transactions resulting in the Company owning a 19.99% interest in Premiere AG (“Premiere”) at March 31, 2008. (See Fiscal Year 2008 Acquisitions, Disposals and Other Transactions below for further discussion)

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NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Note 5—Investments

The Company’s investments were comprised of the following:

     Ownership
Percentage
  At September 30,
2008
 At June 30,
2008
        (in millions)

Equity method investments:

    

British Sky Broadcasting Group plc (1)

  U.K. DBS operator 39% $940 $977

Sky Network Television Ltd.(1)

  New Zealand media company 44%  312  352

Premiere AG

  German pay-TV operator 25%  180  673

Other equity method investments

   various   739  766

Fair value of available-for-sale investments

   various   110  136

Other investments

   various   386  380
         
    $2,667 $3,284
         

(1)

The market value of the Company’s investment in British Sky Broadcasting Group plc (“BSkyB”) and Sky Network Television Ltd. was $5,380 million and $522 million at September 30, 2008, respectively.

On October 2, 2008, Premiere AG (“Premiere”) announced guidance on its earnings before interest, taxes and depreciation (“EBITDA”) indicating results substantially below prior guidance for calendar 2008. Premiere also announced that it had adopted a new classification of subscribers at September 30, 2008. The day after this announcement, Premiere experienced a significant decline in its market value. As a result of this decline, the Company’s carrying value in Premiere exceeded its market value based upon Premiere’s closing share price of €4.38 on October 3, 2008. The Company believes that this decline is not temporary based on the assessment below and, accordingly, recorded an impairment charge of $422 million representing the difference between the Company’s carrying value and the market value which is included in Equity (losses) earnings of affiliates in the Company’s unaudited consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2008.

In determining if the decline in Premiere’s market value was other-than-temporary, the Company considered a number of factors: (1) the financial condition, operating performance and near term prospects of Premiere; (2) the reason for the decline in Premiere’s fair value; (3) analysts’ ratings and estimates of 12 month share price targets for Premiere; and (4) the length of the time and the extent to which Premiere’s market value has been less than the carrying value of the Company’s investment.

Subsequent to October 3, 2008, Premiere’s market value continued to decline. Due to the volatility of Premiere’s common stock, the Company will continue to monitor this investment for possible future impairment.

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

The cost basis, unrealized gains, unrealized losses and fair market value of available-for-sale investments are set forth below:

   At September 30,
2008
  At June 30,
2008
   (in millions)

Cost basis of available-for-sale investments

  $28  $28

Accumulated gross unrealized gain

   82   108
        

Fair value of available-for-sale investments

  $110  $136
        

Deferred tax liability

  $28  $37
        

Fiscal Year 2009 Acquisitions, Disposals and Other Transactions

In August 2008, the Company entered into an agreement to sell its stake in Balaji Telefilms Ltd (“Balaji”) and restructure its content acquisition agreement with Balaji.

Fiscal Year 2008 Acquisitions, Disposals and Other Transactions

In March 2008, the Company and its joint venture partner completed a series of transactions to selland sold its entire interest in the cable systems in Taiwan, in which the Company maintained a minority interest ownership, to third parties for aggregate cash consideration of approximately $355$360 million. The Company recognized pre-tax gains totaling approximately $23 million and $125$133 million on the sales included in Other, net in the unaudited consolidated statements of operations forin fiscal 2008, of which $102 million was recognized in the three and nine months ended March 31, 2008, respectively.September 30, 2007.

Effective September 30, 2007, National Geographic Television agreed to give the Company operating control over National Geographic Channel US (“NGC USUS”) in which the Company has a 67% equity interest. Accordingly, the results of NGC US wereare included in the Company’s unaudited consolidated results of operations beginning October 1, 2007.

During the nine months ended March 31, 2008, the Company acquired an additional 27% stake in NGC Network (UK) Limited (“NGC UK”) in exchange for a 23% interest in 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 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 nine months ended March 31, 2008.

In December 2007, Macrovision Corporation agreed to acquire Gemstar-TV Guide in a cash and stock transaction. On May 2, 2008, the transaction closed. In connection with this transaction, News Corporation disposed of its entire interest in Gemstar’s common stock in exchange for a cash payment of approximately $637 million and approximately 19 million shares of Macrovision Solutions Corporation common stock. The Company expects to record a gain on the transaction.

During the third quarter of fiscal 2008, the Company, through a series of transactions, acquired a 19.99% ownership interest in Premiere for cash consideration of approximately $545 million 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” (“SFAS No. 115”). The Company has subsequently entered into several purchase transactions, and, as of April 8, 2008 increased its ownership interest in Premiere to approximately 23% for additional cash consideration totaling approximately $66 million.

The Company regularly reviews cost method investment for impairments based on criteria that include the extent to which the investment’s carrying value exceeds its related market value, the duration of the market decline, the Company’s ability to hold its investment until recovery and the investment’s financial strength and specific prospects. In the nine months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, the Company wrote down certain cost method investment by approximately $125 million and $2 million, respectively. The write down in the nine months ended March 31, 2008 included a $115 million impairment related to an Asian premium movie channel that is reflected in Other, net in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company wrote down this investment due to a permanent impairment resulting from sustained losses and limited prospects for recovery.

Fiscal Year 2007 Acquisitions and DisposalsNote 6—Fair Value

In August 2006,accordance with SFAS No. 157, fair value measurements are required to be disclosed using a three-tiered fair value hierarchy which distinguishes market participant assumptions into the Company sold a portion offollowing categories: (i) inputs that are quoted prices in active markets (“Level 1”); (ii) inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable, including quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities (“Level 2”); and (iii) inputs that require the entity to use its equity investment in Phoenix Satellite Television Holdings Limitedown assumptions about market participant assumptions (“Phoenix”Level 3”), 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.

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

consolidated statementThe table below presents information about financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value on a recurring basis as of operationsSeptember 30, 2008:

Description

  Total as of
September 30,
2008
  Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using 
   Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Instruments
(Level 1)
  Significant Other
Observable
Inputs

(Level 2)
  Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
   (in millions) 

Assets

      

Available-for-sale securities (1)

  $110  $110  $—    $—   

Liabilities

      

Derivatives(2)

   (35)  —     (24)  (11)

Minority Interest Liability

      

Minority put arrangements (3)

   (235)  —     —     (235)
                 

Total

  $(160) $110  $(24) $(246)
                 

(1)

See Note 5—Investments

(2)

Represents derivatives associated with the Company’s exchangeable securities, foreign exchange forward contracts designated as hedges and other financial instruments. As of September 30, 2008, fair value in warrants related to the TOPrS of approximately $7 million was included in non-current liabilities. The fair value of foreign exchange forward contracts and of other financial instruments were approximately $17 million and $11 million, respectively, as of September 30, 2008.

(3)

The Company accounts for the minority put arrangements in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Topic D-98, “Classification and Measurement of Redeemable Securities” (“EITF D-98”) because their exercise is outside the control of the Company and, accordingly, as of September 30, 2008, has included the fair value of the put rights in minority interest in subsidiaries in the unaudited consolidated balance sheets. The majority of the minority put arrangements recorded at fair value are a put arrangement held by the minority shareholder in one of the Company’s majority-owned Regional Sports Networks (“RSN”) and a put right held by the minority stockholders of Media Support Services Limited (“MSS”), a majority-owned subsidiary of the Company.

The fair value of the nineminority shareholder’s put right in the Company’s RSN was determined by using a discounted earnings (losses) before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization valuation model, assuming a 10% compounded annual growth rate and an 8% discount rate.

The fair value of the minority stockholders’ put right in MSS was determined using an operating income (loss) before depreciation and amortization (“OBDA”) multiple.

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances of liabilities classified as Level 3 measurements and identifies the net (income) losses the Company recognized during the three months ended March 31, 2007. September 30, 2008 on such assets and liabilities:

(in millions)  For the three months
ended September 30,
2008
 

Beginning of period

  $(238)

Total gains (losses) included in net income

   (10)

Purchases, distributions, other

   2 
     

End of period

  $(246)
     

Note 7—Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

The Company retained a 17.6% stakechanges in Phoenix, which is accounted for under the cost method of accounting and, accordingly, the carrying value is adjustedof goodwill, by segment, were as follows:

   Balance as
of June 30,
2008
  Additions  Adjustments  Balance as of
September 30,
2008
   (in millions)

Filmed Entertainment

  $1,071  $—    $—    $1,071

Television

   3,284   —     (217)  3,067

Cable Network Programming

   5,071   1   (36)  5,036

Direct Broadcast Satellite Television

   689   —     (50)  639

Magazines & Inserts

   257   —     —     257

Newspapers and Information Services

   1,576   —     (211)  1,365

Book Publishing

   2   —     —     2

Other

   6,670   8   45   6,723
                

Total goodwill

  $18,620  $9  $(469) $18,160
                

Goodwill balances decreased $460 million during the three months ended September 30, 2008. This decrease was primarily due to market value each reporting period as required under SFAS No. 115.

In August 2006,foreign currency translation adjustments of $283 million and a reduction of $217 million at the Company completedTelevision segment due to the sale of its investmentthe Stations in SKY Brasil, a Brazilian DTH platform, to DIRECTV for approximately $300July 2008. The finalization of purchase price allocation and new acquisitions offset the decreases in goodwill by $40 million.

Intangible assets, net decreased $682 million in cash which was received in fiscal 2005, resulting in a total pre-tax gain of $426 million onduring the sale. Of this total gain, the Company recognized a pre-tax gain of approximately $261 million in the fiscal yearthree months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007. The Company deferred $165 million of its total gain, through a reduction in the DTV basis,2008, primarily due to its indirect interest througha $430 million decrease in Federal Communications Commission licenses at the Company’s ownership of DIRECTV. As a resultTelevision segment due to the sale of the closingStations in July 2008 and foreign currency translation adjustments of the Share Exchange Agreement in February 2008, the Company exchanged its holdings of a wholly-owned subsidiary that held the Company’s approximate 41% interest in DIRECTV and other assets for Liberty’s entire interest in the Company’s common stock$169 million. (See Note 2—Acquisitions, DisposalsDisposal, and Other Transactions for further discussion of the Share Exchange Agreement),sale of the Stations.)

Note 8—Stockholders’ Equity

Dividends

The Company declared a dividend of $0.06 per share on both its Class A Common Stock and the Company recognized the previously deferred gainits Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Class B Common Stock”) in the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2008, which was paid in October 2008 to stockholders of record on September 10, 2008. The total gain of $426 millionaggregate dividend paid to stockholders in October 2008 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 sale of its investment in SKY Brasil, 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 International and NGC 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 March 31,
  For the nine months
ended March 31,
      2008          2007          2008          2007    
  (in millions)  (in millions)

Revenues

  $2,470  $6,165  $16,668  $18,218

Operating income

   415   989   2,197   2,959

Net income

   (11)  614   428   1,805

On February 27, 2008, the Company closed the Share Exchange Agreement in which the Company exchanged its holdings of a wholly-owned subsidiary that held the Company’s approximate 41% interest in DIRECTV (approximately 470 million shares) and other assets for Liberty’s entire interest in the Company’s common stock (See Note 2—Acquisitions, Disposals and Other Transactions for further discussion of the Share Exchange Agreement). The full, unaudited financial statements of DIRECTV for the period from July 1, 2007 to February 27, 2008 were not produced by DIRECTV in the ordinary course of business and as such are not available. Since the financial information for the 58 days ended February 27, 2008 was not available, the financial information for DIRECTV included above is for the six months ended December 31, 2007. However, DIRECTV is a separate reporting company whose financial statements are publicly available atwww.sec.gov.

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

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 March 31,
2008
  As of June 30,
2007
     (in millions)

FCC licenses

  Indefinite-lived  $6,910  $6,910

Distribution networks

  Indefinite-lived   752   750

Publishing rights & imprints

  Indefinite-lived   506   506

Newspaper mastheads (1)

  Indefinite-lived   2,649   918

Other (1)

  Indefinite-lived   1,470   1,355
          

Intangible assets not subject to amortization

     12,287   10,439

Film library, net of accumulated amortization of $93 million and $70 million as of March 31, 2008 and June 30, 2007, respectively

  20 years   530   553

Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $343 million and $222 million as of March 31, 2008 and June 30, 2007, respectively(1)

  3 - 25 years   1,444   711
          

Total intangibles, net

    $14,261  $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
March 31,
2008
  (in millions)

Filmed Entertainment

  $1,071  $—    $—    $1,071

Television

   3,284   —     —     3,284

Cable Network Programming

   4,915   336   (187)  5,064

Direct Broadcast Satellite Television

   592   —     98   690

Magazines & Inserts

   257   —     —     257

Newspapers and Information Services

   1,395   —     110   1,505

Book Publishing

   2   —     —     2

Other

   2,303   4,303   (99)  6,507
                

Total goodwill

  $13,819  $4,639  $(78) $18,380
                

Goodwill balances increased $4,561 million during the nine months ended March 31, 2008, primarily as a result of new acquisitions. The increased goodwill balance at the Other segment arose from the acquisitions of Dow Jones and Photobucket (See Note 2—Acquisitions, Disposals and Other Transactions.) The consolidation of NGC led to an increase in goodwill at the Cable segment (See Note 6—Investments.) Adjustments primarily relate to the finalization of purchase price allocations for previously announced acquisitions, foreign currency translation adjustments and a reduction of $154 million at the Cable Networks Programming segment as a result of the disposition of the Three RSNs in connection with the closing of the Share Exchange Agreement (See Note 2 – Acquisitions, Disposals and Other Transactions.)

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

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’s loan agreements with the EBRD. As of March 31, 2008, $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 $1,237 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, as Trustee.

Other

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 retired the $225 million 3.875% notes. As of March 31, 2008, only the $22 million variable interest note was outstanding.

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

Note 9—Stockholders’ Equity

Rights of Holders of Common Stock

On August 8, 2006, 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”) approved the adoption of an Amended and Restated Rights Plan, as amended (the “Rights Plan”), extending the term of the Company’s original stockholder rights plan from November 7, 2007 to October 20, 2008. 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 April 15, 2008, the Company entered into an amendment to the Rights Plan to amend the final expiration date of the rights issued pursuant to the Rights Plan (the “Rights”) from October 20, 2008 to April 15, 2008. Accordingly, the Rights expired at the close of business on April 15, 2008 and the Rights Plan was terminated and is of no further force and effect. (See Note 17 – Subsequent Events)

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Dividends

The Company declared a dividend of $0.06 per share of Class A Common Stock and $0.05 per share of Class B Common 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.

The Company declared a dividend of $0.06 per share of both the Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock in the three months ended March 31, 2008, which was paid in April 2008 to stockholders of record on March 12, 2008. The total aggregate dividend paid to stockholders in April 2008 was approximately $157 million.

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 March 31, 2008, 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 March 31,
  For the nine months
ended March 31,
  2008  2007  2008  2007
  (in millions)  (in millions)

Equity-based compensation

  $43  $34  $115  $100
                

Cash received from exercise of equity-based compensation

  $9  $167  $65  $326
                

Total intrinsic value of options exercised

  $6  $105  $49  $184
                

As part of the Dow Jones acquisition the Company issued approximately 7 million stock options and approximately 500,000 restricted share units over Class A Common Stock (See Note 2—Acquisitions, Disposals, and Other Transactions). Stock options exercised and RSUs vested related to the acquisition of Dow Jones during the nine months ended March 31, 2008, were immaterial.

   For the three months
ended September 30,
   2008  2007
   (in millions)

Equity-based compensation

  $49  $38
        

Cash received from exercise of equity-based compensation

  $3  $29
        

Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised

  $1  $24
        

At March 31,September 30, 2008, the Company’s total compensation cost related to non-vested stock options, RSUs and stock appreciation rights not yet recognized for all plans was approximately $359$331 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 ninethree months ended March 31,September 30, 2008 and 2007 resulted in the Company’s issuance of approximately 40.2 million and 222.3 million shares of Class A Common Stock, respectively. The Company recognized a tax benefit on stock options exercised of $12$0.3 million and $56$6.9 million for the ninethree months ended March 31,September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

During the ninethree months ended March 31,September 30, 2008, the Company issued 7.29.7 million RSUs of which 1 million were granted to employees of Dow Jones in connection with the acquisition.RSUs. These RSUs will be settled in shares of Class A Common Stock upon vesting, except for approximately 1.31.9 million RSUs that will be settled in cash. RSUs granted to executive directors are settled in cash and certain awards granted to employees in certain foreign locations are settled in cash. At March 31,September 30, 2008 and June 30, 2007,2008, the liability for cash-settled RSUs was $86$55 million and $47$80 million, respectively.

During the ninethree months ended March 31,September 30, 2008 and 2007, approximately 5.47.8 million and 4.15.0 million RSUs vested, respectively, of which approximately 4.76.2 million and 3.54.2 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 (expense) benefit on vested RSUs of $4$(5) million and $5 million for the ninethree months ended March 31,September 30, 2008 and 2007.2007, respectively.

Note 11—10—Commitments and Guarantees

Commitments

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.

As a result of the Dow Jones acquisition in December 2007, as of March 31, 2008, the Company had commitments under certain contractual arrangements to make future payments of $690 million, including $22 million of indebtedness.

The local sports broadcasting rights commitments increased approximately $1.2 billion during the nine months ended March 31, 2008. The Company’s rights increased primarily due to the launch of a new sports channel. This increase was partially offset by the transfer of the commitments of the Three RSNs to Liberty during the nine months ended March 31, 2008 as a result of the closing of the Share Exchange Agreement. (See Note 2—Acquisitions, Disposals and Other Transactions for further discussion of the Share Exchange Agreement).

Other than as previously disclosed in the notes to the Company’s 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, 20072008 filed with the SEC on August 23, 2007.13, 2008.

Guarantees

Other than as previously disclosed in the notes to the Company’s unaudited consolidated financial statements, theThe 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, 20072008 filed with the SEC on August 23, 2007.13, 2008.

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Note 12—11—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 amendedThat 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”Communications Act”), the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, California’s Unfair Competition statuteLaw (“UCL”) 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, allExtensive motion practice ensued regarding this complaint, regarding subsequent complaints filed by Echostar, and regarding counterclaims asserted by NDS.

The trial of this case began April 9, 2008. Echostar’s claims under the DMCA, the Communications Act, the California Penal Code, and RICO were tried to the jury, Echostar’s UCL claim was tried to the court and NDS’ counterclaim under the California Uniform Trade Secrets Act was tried to the jury. All other claims were either dismissed by the court except foror abandoned by the DMCA, CAparties.

On May 15, 2008, the jury returned its verdict. The jury found NDS not liable on three counts and unfair competition claims, andawarded minimal damages on the court limitedremaining three counts. On those latter three counts, the jury awarded Echostar actual damages of $45.69 or, in the alternative, statutory damages of $1,000. NDS believes that these claimsawards relate to acts allegedly occurring within three yearsa single incident involving a test of a card during the filingcourse of Echostar’s original complaint.NDS’s anti-piracy efforts. The jury found Echostar not liable on NDS’s counterclaim.

After Echostar filed a second amended complaint, NDS filed a motion to dismiss this complaintA hearing on March 31, 2004.the UCL claim was held on October 9, 2008. On July 21, 2004,October 15, 2008, the court issued an order directingits ruling. The court found NDS liable under the UCL based on the single incident that formed the basis for the jury’s previous verdict and awarded restitution in a nominal amount to EchoStar. The court also issued a permanent injunction that requires NDS to comply with the statutes that the jury previously found NDS had violated.

On October 20, 2008, Echostar to, among other things, file a third amended complaint within ten days correcting various deficiencies noted in the second amended complaint. Echostarand NDS filed its third amended complaint on August 4, 2004. On August 6, 2004,applications requesting that the court ruledaward them attorneys’ fees and costs. NDS believes 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 arerequest is without merit and intends to vigorously defend against them.

On October 24, 2005,that request. Instead, NDS filed its Amended Answer with Counterclaims, allegingbelieves 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’ counterclaims on October 29, 2007. Those motions were heard on January 7, 2008. On January 16, 2008, the court granted the motions in part and denied them in part. The trial of this case began April 9, 2008 and is ongoing.

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 NDSit prevailed in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. Sogecable filed an amended complaintlitigation and on October 9, 2003, which purported to allegeseveral claims for violationwhich a recovery of the DMCA and the federal RICO statute. The amended complaint also purported to allege claims for interference with contract and prospective business

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

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. 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.attorneys’ fees is authorized. The court has set February 16, 2010 asa hearing for November 17, 2008 to hear argument related to requests for attorneys’ fees and costs. It is not known when the trial date. NDS believes that Sogecable’s claims are without merit andcourt will continue to vigorously defend itself in this matter.provide a decision on those requests.

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 alal., were filed in the 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. TheFriedmann andSheppard 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 sought 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 Litigationand the severed Greenspan claims, which were heard by the court on July 6, 2006.claims. 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. Greenspan and plaintiffs in theIntermix Media Shareholder Litigationfiled notices of appeal. The appeal is fully briefed, and subsequently filed respective opening briefsoral argument occurred on appeal in October 2007. Defendants filed opposing appellate briefs on April 16,23, 2008. The Court of Appeal has not yet heard argument in the matter. After the lower court sustained the demurrers in theIntermix Media Shareholder Litigation, co-counsel for certain of plaintiffs moved for an award of attorney’s fees and costs under a common law substantial benefit theory. On October 4, 2007, the court granted the motion and denied defendants’ application to tax costs. DefendantsAfter defendants filed a notice of appeal.appeal, the matter was resolved.

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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 added as defendants the individuals and entities named in theIntermix 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 FIM 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 theGreenspancase and theIntermix Media Shareholder Litigationon the remaining direct class action claims alleging breaches of fiduciary duty and other common law claims leading up to the FIM Transaction. The parties filed the requested additional briefing in which the defendants requested that the court stay the direct LeBoyer claims pending the resolution of any appeal in theGreenspan case and theIntermix Media Shareholder Litigation. The court took the matter under submission. By order dated May 22, 2007, the court granted defendants’ motion to dismiss the derivative claims arising out of the FIM Transaction, and denied 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 theBrown v. Breweraction also pending before the court. On July 11, 2007, plaintiffs filed the consolidated first amended complaint. Pursuant tocomplaint under the stipulated briefing schedule ordered byBrown case title. See the court,discussion ofBrown for the parties’ joint brief on defendants’ motion to dismisssubsequent developments in the consolidated complaint was filed on October 11, 2007 and taken under submission. By order dated January 17, 2008, the court granted in part defendants’ motion to dismiss, with leave to amend, as explained in greater detail under the discussion of the consolidated case,Brown v. Brewer, below. On February 8, 2008, plaintiffs filed a consolidated Second Amended Complaint. Defendants filed a motion to dismiss on February 28, 2008, which the court has not yet ruled on.case.

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 California. The plaintiff asserted 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 alleged 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

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transactions with certain entities of VantagePoint, and another on August 25, 2005 in connection with the shareholder vote on the FIM Transaction. The complaint named as defendants certain VantagePoint related entities, the former general counsel and the members of the Intermix Board who were incumbent on the dates of the respective proxy statements. Intermix was 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. Plaintiff amended his complaint again on September 27, 2006.2006, which defendants moved to dismiss. 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

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February 9, 2007, the case was transferred from Judge Walter to Judge George H. King, the judge assigned to theLeBoyeraction, on the grounds that it raises substantially related questions of law and fact asLeBoyer, 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 June 11, 2007, Judge King ordered the Browncase be consolidated with theLeBoyeraction, ordered plaintiffs’ counsel to file a consolidated first amended complaint, and further ordered the parties to file a joint brief on defendants’ contemplated motion to dismiss the consolidated first amended complaint. On July 11, 2007, plaintiffs filed the consolidated first amended complaint. Pursuantcomplaint, which defendants moved 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.dismiss. By order dated January 17, 2008, Judge King granted defendants’ motion to dismiss the 2003 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 rule on dismissal of the remaining claims, which are related to the 2005 FIM Transaction, because the dismissal disposed of those claims. On February 8, 2008, plaintiffs filed a consolidated Second Amended Complaint. Defendants filed a motionComplaint, which defendants moved to dismiss on February 28, 2008. By order dated July 15, 2008, which the court granted in part and denied in part defendants’ motion to dismiss. The 2003 claims and the Investment Banks were dismissed with prejudice. The Section 14a and Section 20a, as well as the breach of fiduciary duty claims related to the FIM Transaction, remain against the officer and director defendants and the VantagePoint defendants. On October 6, 2008, defendants filed a partial motion for summary judgment seeking dismissal of the Section 14a, Section 20 and state law disclosure claims. The motion is scheduled to be heard November 10, 2008. No trial date has not yet ruled on. Intermix believes that the claims are without merit and expects that the defendants will continue to vigorously defend themselves in the matter.been set yet.

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 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.

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

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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 failed 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 asserted 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

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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 asserted various claims for breach of fiduciary duty related to the FIM Transaction and substantially mirrored 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 theIntermix Media Shareholder Litigation. Mr. Greenspan asserted a seventh cause of action against Intermix for indemnification. In his amended complaint, Mr. Greenspan sought 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 filedThe appeal is fully briefed, and oral argument occurred on October 23, 2007. The2008.

Intermix Media Shareholder appealbelieves that the various pending complaints are without merit andGreenspan appeal have been coordinated expect the defendants to vigorously defend themselves in the court of appeal. Defendants filed a joint opposing appeal brief in both matters on April 16, 2008.these matters.

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 standingfree-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, 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. The parties are engaging in discovery, which has been combined with the California and Michigan state cases discussed below. News America expects a Scheduling Order, including

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The deadline for completion of fact discovery currently is December 1, 2008, in the Michigan state case. In the federal action, the parties have stipulated to extend fact discovery until November 14, 2008, and are awaiting the federal court’s approval. Expert reports and summary judgment motions will be submitted shortly thereafter. The federal court has set a jury trial commencement date to be entered by the Court shortly.in April 2009.

On March 9, 2007, Valassis filed a two-count complaint in Michigan state court against News America. That complaint, which iswas based on the same factual allegations as the federal complaint discussed above, allegesalleged that News America has tortiously interfered with Valassis’ business relationships and that News America has unfairly competed with Valassis. Valassis’ MichiganThe complaint seekssought 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 April 11,July 7, 2008, Valassis moved for a trial date in November 2008.filed an Amended Complaint alleging the same causes of action, based on essentially the same factual allegations and seeking the same relief. News America will be opposing thatmoved to dismiss the Amended Complaint and on October 10, 2008, the Court denied the motion. The parties are engaging in discovery, which has been combined with the federal case discussed above and the California state case discussed below.

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The trial is set to begin on January 12, 2009, although News America has filed a motion to continue this trial date until after the federal action is tried.

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. There is no trial date presently set in this case. The parties are engaging in discovery, which has been combined with the federal case and Michigan state cases discussed above. The trial is set to begin March 9, 2009.

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 as 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 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.

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Note 13—12—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. As of January 1, 2008, the major pension plans are closed to new participants (with the exception of groups covered by collective bargaining agreements). The benefits payable for the non-contributory pension plans are based 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 ninethree months ended March 31,September 30, 2008 and 2007, the Company made discretionary contributions of $20$19 million and $32$6 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.

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The components of net periodic benefit costs were as follows:

 

  Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits   Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits 
  For the three months ended March 31,   For the three months ended September 30, 
  2008 2007     2008         2007            2008           2007           2008           2007      
  (in millions)   (in millions) 

Service cost benefits earned during the period

  $22  $18  $2  $1   $20  $21  $2  $1 

Interest costs on projected benefit obligation

   40   30   6   2 

Interest costs on projected benefit obligations

   43   35   5   2 

Expected return on plan assets

   (42)  (34)  —     —      (39)  (40)  —     —   

Amortization of deferred losses

   4   5   —     1    4   4   —     1 

Other

   —     —     (1)  (1)   —     —     (4)  (2)
                          

Net periodic costs

  $24  $19  $7  $3   $28  $20  $3  $2 
                          
  For the nine months ended March 31, 
  2008 2007 2008 2007 
  (in millions) 

Service cost benefits earned during the period

  $64  $52  $4  $3 

Interest costs on projected benefit obligation

   110   90   10   6 

Expected return on plan assets

   (122)  (100)  —     —   

Amortization of deferred losses

   12   14   1   2 

Other

   —     —     (4)  (4)
             

Net periodic costs

  $64  $56  $11  $7 
             

Note 14—13—Segment Information

The Company is a diversified entertainmentglobal media 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 3527 full power broadcast television stations, including nine duopolies, in the United States (of these stations, 2517 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.

 

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.

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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 145147 newspapers in Australia, the publication of a metropolitan newspaper and a national newspaper (with international editions) in the United States and the provision of information services.

 

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

 

Other, which includesprincipally consists of 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; Fox Interactive Media, which operates the Company’s Internet activities; and News Outdoor, Group, an advertising business which offers display advertising in outdoor locations primarily throughout Russia and Eastern Europe; and Fox Interactive Media (“FIM”), which operates the Company’s Internet activities.Europe.

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 Operating 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.

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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).

 

  For the three months
ended March 31,
 For the nine months
ended March 31,
   For the three months
ended September 30,
 
      2008         2007         2008         2007           2008         2007     
  (in millions) (in millions)   (in millions) 

Revenues:

        

Filmed Entertainment

  $1,618  $1,802  $5,176  $5,280   $1,259  $1,582 

Television

   1,799   1,568   4,474   4,271    974   1,145 

Cable Network Programming

   1,270   998   3,608   2,807    1,309   1,102 

Direct Broadcast Satellite Television

   993   825   2,695   2,211    969   747 

Magazines and Inserts

   299   303   836   844    259   264 

Newspapers and Information Services

   1,744   1,123   4,404   3,290    1,705   1,244 

Book Publishing

   302   291   1,038   1,052    315   330 

Other

   725   620   2,176   1,533    719   653 
                    

Total revenues

  $8,750  $7,530  $24,407  $21,288   $7,509  $7,067 
                    

Operating income (loss):

        

Filmed Entertainment

  $261  $410  $1,026  $1,119   $251  $362 

Television

   419   273   847   577    54   183 

Cable Network Programming

   330   282   956   806    379   289 

Direct Broadcast Satellite Television

   97   91   207   66    165   48 

Magazines and Inserts

   93   102   257   254    68   79 

Newspapers and Information Services

   216   156   505   450    134   93 

Book Publishing

   29   29   132   138    3   36 

Other

   (7)  (104)  (27)  (176)   (101)  (43)
                    

Total operating income

   1,438   1,239   3,903   3,234    953   1,047 
                    

Equity earnings of affiliates

   109   255   305   747 

Equity (losses) earnings of affiliates

   (359)  246 

Interest expense, net

   (244)  (220)  (702)  (632)   (221)  (213)

Interest income

   37   79   215   226    40   100 

Other, net

   1,673   47   1,860   493    304   —   
                    

Income before income tax expense and minority interest in subsidiaries

   3,013   1,400   5,581   4,068    717   1,180 

Income tax expense

   (300)  (517)  (1,234)  (1,486)   (181)  (414)

Minority interest in subsidiaries, net of tax

   (19)  (12)  (89)  (46)   (21)  (34)
                    

Net income

  $2,694  $871  $4,258  $2,536   $515  $732 
                    

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

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NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Intersegment revenues, generated primarily by the Filmed Entertainment segment, of approximately $241$170 million and $323$172 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and of approximately $666 million and $759 million for the nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, have been eliminated within the Filmed Entertainment segment. Intersegment operating profit (loss) generated primarily by the Filmed Entertainment segment of approximately $25$2 million and ($10)$29 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and of approximately $66 million and $26 million for the nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, have been eliminated within the Filmed Entertainment segment.

 

  For the three months ended March 31, 2008  For the three months ended September 30, 2008 
  Operating income
(loss)
 Depreciation and
amortization
  Amortization of
cable distribution
investments
  Operating income
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

  $261  $22  $—    $283  $251  $23 $—   $274 

Television

   419   25   —     444   54   22  —    76 

Cable Network Programming

   330   28   22   380   379   29  23  431 

Direct Broadcast Satellite Television

   97   59   —     156   165   60  —    225 

Magazines and Inserts

   93   2   —     95   68   2  —    70 

Newspapers and Information Services

   216   97   —     313   134   90  —    224 

Book Publishing

   29   2   —     31   3   2  —    5 

Other

   (7)  57   —     50   (101)  68  —    (33)
                       

Total

  $1,438  $292  $22  $1,752  $953  $296 $23 $1,272 
                       
  For the three months ended March 31, 2007  For the three months ended September 30, 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

  $410  $22  $—    $432  $362  $21 $—   $383 

Television

   273   23 �� —     296   183   24  —    207 

Cable Network Programming

   282   15   17   314   289   20  12  321 

Direct Broadcast Satellite Television

   91   49   —     140   48   50  —    98 

Magazines and Inserts

   102   2   —     104   79   2  —    81 

Newspapers and Information Services

   156   72   —     228   93   139  —    232 

Book Publishing

   29   2   —     31   36   2  —    38 

Other

   (104)  39   —     (65)  (43)  64  —    21 
                       

Total

  $1,239  $224  $17  $1,480  $1,047  $322 $12 $1,381 
                       

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

   For the nine months ended March 31, 2008 
   Operating income
(loss)
  Depreciation and
amortization
  Amortization of
cable distribution
investments
  Operating income
before
depreciation and
amortization
 
   (in millions) 

Filmed Entertainment

  $1,026  $64  $—    $1,090 

Television

   847   74   —     921 

Cable Network Programming

   956   67   57   1,080 

Direct Broadcast Satellite Television

   207   163   —     370 

Magazines and Inserts

   257   6   —     263 

Newspapers and Information Services

   505   341   —     846 

Book Publishing

   132   6   —     138 

Other

   (27)  180   —     153 
                 

Total

  $3,903  $901  $57  $4,861 
                 
   For the nine months ended March 31, 2007 
   Operating income
(loss)
  Depreciation and
amortization
  Amortization of
cable distribution
investments
  Operating income
(loss) before
depreciation and
amortization
 
   (in millions) 

Filmed Entertainment

  $1,119  $62  $—    $1,181 

Television

   577   68   —     645 

Cable Network Programming

   806   42   56   904 

Direct Broadcast Satellite Television

   66   140   —     206 

Magazines and Inserts

   254   6   —     260 

Newspapers and Information Services

   450   207   —     657 

Book Publishing

   138   6   —     144 

Other

   (176)  106   —     (70)
                 

Total

  $3,234  $637  $56  $3,927 
                 

   At September 30,
2008
  At June 30,
2008
   (in millions)

Total assets:

    

Filmed Entertainment

  $7,142  $7,122

Television

   12,189   13,011

Cable Network Programming

   9,676   9,566

Direct Broadcast Satellite Television

   2,644   2,589

Magazines and Inserts

   1,362   1,328

Newspapers and Information Services

   7,269   7,743

Book Publishing

   1,686   1,696

Other

   16,556   15,969

Investments

   2,667   3,284
        

Total assets

  $61,191  $62,308
        

Goodwill and Intangible assets, net:

    

Filmed Entertainment

  $1,940  $1,948

Television

   9,548   10,195

Cable Network Programming

   5,806   5,836

Direct Broadcast Satellite Television

   641   691

Magazines and Inserts

   1,008   1,009

Newspapers and Information Services

   3,959   4,321

Book Publishing

   508   508

Other

   8,528   8,572
        

Total goodwill and intangibles, net

  $31,938  $33,080
        

NEWS CORPORATIONNote 14—Additional Financial Information

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)Supplemental Cash Flows Information

 

   At March 31,
2008
  At June 30,
2007
   (in millions)

Total assets:

    

Filmed Entertainment

  $7,305  $6,738

Television

   13,398   12,974

Cable Network Programming

   9,541   8,523

Direct Broadcast Satellite Television

   2,601   2,030

Magazines and Inserts

   1,333   1,278

Newspapers and Information Services (1)

   8,247   5,343

Book Publishing

   1,653   1,566

Other(1)

   13,854   12,478

Investments

   3,988   11,413
        

Total assets

  $61,920  $62,343
        

Goodwill and Intangible assets, net:

    

Filmed Entertainment

  $1,956  $1,979

Television

   10,195   10,195

Cable Network Programming

   5,823   5,517

Direct Broadcast Satellite Television

   693   595

Magazines and Inserts

   1,009   1,009

Newspapers and Information Services (1)

   4,219   2,422

Book Publishing

   508   508

Other(1)

   8,238   3,297
        

Total goodwill and intangibles, net

  $32,641  $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 income 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.

   For the three months
ended September 30,
 
       2008          2007     
   (in millions) 

Supplemental cash flows information:

   

Cash paid for income taxes

  $(171) $(261)

Cash paid for interest

   (166)  (177)

Sale of other investments

   2   8 

Purchase of other investments

   (18)  (5)

Supplemental information on businesses acquired:

   

Fair value of assets acquired

   6   383 

Cash acquired

   —     42 

Less: Liabilities assumed

   58   (81)

Minority interest acquired

   1   (63)

Cash paid

   (65)  (281)
         

Fair value of stock consideration

  $—    $—   
         

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

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

   For the three
months ended
March 31,
2008
   For the nine
months ended
March 31,
2008
 
   (in millions, except per share data) 

Net income available to stockholders—basic

  $2,694   $4,258 

Other

   —      (1)
          

Net income available to stockholders—diluted

  $2,694   $4,257 
          

Weighted average shares—basic

   2,942    3,065 

Shares issuable under equity based compensation plans

   17    17 
          

Weighted average shares—diluted

   2,959    3,082 

Earnings per share:

    

Net income—basic

  $0.92   $1.39 

Net income—diluted

  $0.91   $1.38 
   For the three
months ended
March 31,
2007
   For the nine
months ended
March 31,
2007
 
   (in millions) 

Net income available to stockholders—basic

  $871   $2,536 

Other

   (1)   (3)
          

Net income available to stockholders—diluted

  $870   $2,533 
          

   For the three months ended
March 31,
  For the nine months ended
March 31,
   2007  2007
   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

  $632  $239  $871  $1,840  $696  $2,536

Weighted average shares used in income allocation

   2,611   987   3,598   2,610   987   3,597

Allocation of income—diluted:

            

Net income available to stockholders

  $633  $237  $870  $1,843  $690  $2,533

Weighted average shares used in income allocation

   2,638   987   3,625   2,634   987   3,621

Weighted average shares—basic

   2,176   987   3,163   2,175   987   3,162

Shares issuable under equity based compensation plans

   22   —     22   20   —     20
                        

Weighted average shares—diluted

   2,198   987   3,185   2,195   987   3,182

Earnings per share:

            

Net income—basic

  $0.29  $0.24    $0.85  $0.71  

Net income—diluted

  $0.29  $0.24    $0.84  $0.70  

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Note 16—Additional Financial Information

Supplemental Cash Flows Information

   For the nine months
ended March 31,
 
   2008   2007 
   (in millions) 

Supplemental cash flow information:

    

Cash paid for income taxes

  $(1,405)  $(752)

Cash paid for interest

   (598)   (511)

Sale of other investments

   10    61 

Purchase of other investments

   (599)   (377)

Supplemental information on businesses acquired:

    

Fair value of assets acquired

   8,306    960 

Cash acquired

   92    67 

Less: Liabilities assumed

   (2,414)   (262)

Minority interest acquired

   (205)   (109)

Cash paid

   (5,583)   (656)
          

Fair value of equity instruments issued to third parties

   196    —   

Issuance of subsidiary common units

   165    —   
          

Fair value of equity instrument consideration

  $31   $—   
          

Other, net consisted of the following:

 

   For the three
months ended
March 31,
  For the nine
months ended
March 31,
 
   2008  2007  2008  2007 
   (in millions)  (in millions) 

Gain on Share Exchange Agreement(a)

  $1,682  $—    $1,682  $—   

Termination of participation rights agreement (a)

   —     97   —     97 

Gain on the sale of China Network Systems (b)

   23   —     125   —   

Impairment of cost based investments (b)

   (123)  —     (125)  (2)

Gain on sale of Sky Brasil(b)

   —     —     —     261 

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

   —     —     —     136 

Change in fair value of exchangeable securities(c)

   104   (52)  206   16 

Other

   (13)  2   (28)  (15)
                 

Total Other, net

  $1,673  $47  $1,860  $493 
                 
   For the three months
ended September 30,
 
       2008          2007     
   (in millions) 

Gain on the sale of the Stations(a)

  $232  $—   

Gain on the sale of China Network Systems(b)

   —     102 

Change in fair value of exchangeable securities and other financial instruments(c)

   62   (87)

Other

   10   (15)
         

Total Other, net

  $304  $—   
         

 

(a)(a)

See Note 2—Acquisitions, Disposals and Other Transactions

(b)

See Note 6—5—Investments

(c)(c)

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.

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Note 17—15—Subsequent Events

On April 15,In October 2008, the Company entered into an amendment to the Rights Plan to amend the final expiration datepurchased VeriSign Inc.’s minority share of the Rights from October 20, 2008Jamba joint venture for approximately $200 million, increasing the Company’s interest to April 15, 2008. Accordingly, the Rights expired at the close of business on April 15, 2008 and the Rights Plan was terminated and is of no further force and effect.100%.

In AprilOctober 2008, the Company soldretired its 40% interest in Fox Sports Net Bay Area for approximately $245 million. The Company expects to record a gain on this transaction.$200 million 7.375% Senior Notes due 2008.

Note 18—16—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“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 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 0.08% regardless of facility usage. The Company pays interest for borrowings and letters of credit at LIBOR plus 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 2012,2012; 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 thethese consolidated financial statements included herein.statements.

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.

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

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—(Continued)

 

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations

For the ninethree months ended March 31,September 30, 2008

(US$ 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

  $5  $—    $24,402  $—    $24,407   $2  $—    $7,507  $—    $7,509 

Expenses

   240   —     20,264   —     20,504    88   —     6,468   —     6,556 
                                

Operating income (loss)

   (235)  —     4,138   —     3,903    (86)  —     1,039   —     953 
                                

Other income (expense) :

      

Equity earnings of affiliates

   4   —     301   —     305 

Other income (expense):

      

Interest expense, net

   (1,860)  (426)  (512)  2,096   (702)   (340)  (263)  —     382   (221)

Interest income

   700   27   1,584   (2,096)  215    16   —     406   (382)  40 

Equity (losses) earnings of
affiliates

   1   —     (360)  —     (359)

Earnings (losses) from subsidiary entities

   1,290   3,120   —     (4,410)  —      434   814   —     (1,248)  —   

Other, net

   346   1,537   (23)  —     1,860    81   (36)  259   —     304 
                                

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

   245   4,258   5,488   (4,410)  5,581    106   515   1,344   (1,248)  717 

Income tax (expense) benefit

   (54)  —     (1,213)  33   (1,234)   (27)  —     (339)  185   (181)

Minority interest in subsidiaries, net of tax

   —     —     (89)  —     (89)   —     —     (21)  —     (21)
                                

Net income (loss)

  $191  $4,258  $4,186  $(4,377) $4,258   $79  $515  $984  $(1,063) $515 
                                

See notes to supplemental guarantor information

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations

For the ninethree months ended March 31,September 30, 2007

(US$ 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

  $5  $—    $21,283  $—    $21,288   $2  $—    $7,065  $—    $7,067 

Expenses

   198   —     17,856   —     18,054    65   —     5,955   —     6,020 
                                

Operating income (loss)

   (193)  —     3,427   —     3,234    (63)  —     1,110   —     1,047 
                                

Other Income (Expense):

      

Equity earnings of affiliates

   3   —     744   —     747 

Other income (expense):

      

Interest expense, net

   (1,589)  (224)  (44)  1,225   (632)   (626)  (105)  (249)  767   (213)

Interest income

   165   —     1,286   (1,225)  226    349   —     518   (767)  100 

Equity earnings of affiliates

   1   —     245   —     246 

Earnings (losses) from subsidiary entities

   1,229   2,830   3,624   (7,683)  —      389   863   —     (1,252)  —   

Other, net

   8   (70)  555   —     493    (101)  (26)  127   —     —   
                                

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

   (377)  2,536   9,592   (7,683)  4,068    (51)  732   1,751   (1,252)  1,180 

Income tax (expense) benefit

   138   —     (3,504)  1,880   (1,486)   18   —     (615)  183   (414)

Minority interest in subsidiaries, net of tax

   —     —     (46)  —     (46)   —     —     (34)  —     (34)
                                

Net income (loss)

  $(239) $2,536  $6,042  $(5,803) $2,536   $(33) $732  $1,102  $(1,069) $732 
                                

See notes to supplemental guarantor information

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet

At March 31,September 30, 2008

(US$ 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

 $1,163 $—   $2,081  $—    $3,244 $2,979 $—   $2,521  $—    $5,500

Receivables, net

  32  —    7,560   —     7,592  28  1  6,775   —     6,804

Inventories, net

  —    —    2,437   —     2,437  —    —    2,420   —     2,420

Other

  14  —    519   —     533  22  —    554   —     576
                        

Total current assets

  1,209  —    12,597   —     13,806  3,029  1  12,270   —     15,300
                        

Non-current assets:

          

Receivables

  1  —    527   —     528  1  —    429   —     430

Inventories, net

  —    —    2,917   —     2,917  —    —    3,263   —     3,263

Property, plant and equipment, net

  79  —    6,647   —     6,726  71  —    6,481   —     6,552

Intangible assets, net

  —    —    14,261   —     14,261  —    —    13,778   —     13,778

Goodwill

  —    —    18,380   —     18,380  —    —    18,160   —     18,160

Other

  116  1  1,197   —     1,314  116  —    925   —     1,041

Investments

          

Investments in associated companies and other investments

  92  45  3,851   —     3,988  76  43  2,548   —     2,667

Intragroup investments

  40,391  39,069  —     (79,460)  —    41,803  41,192  —     (82,995)  —  
                        

Total investments

  40,483  39,114  3,851   (79,460)  3,988  41,879  41,235  2,548   (82,995)  2,667
                        

TOTAL ASSETS

 $41,888 $39,115 $60,377  $(79,460) $61,920 $45,096 $41,236 $57,854  $(82,995) $61,191
                        

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

          

Current liabilities:

          

Borrowings

 $200 $—   $89  $—    $289 $200 $—   $90  $—    $290

Other current liabilities

  53  158  9,520   —     9,731  38  157  8,984   —     9,179
                        

Total current liabilities

  253  158  9,609   —     10,020  238  157  9,074   —     9,469

Non-current liabilities:

          

Borrowings

  13,069  —    139   —     13,208  13,071  —    128   —     13,199

Other non-current liabilities

  528  3  9,679   —     10,210  231  4  9,452   —     9,687

Intercompany

  11,323  11,518  (22,841)  —     — ��  14,201  13,255  (27,456)  —     —  

Minority interest in subsidiaries

  —    —    1,046   —     1,046  —    —    1,016   —     1,016

Stockholders’ Equity

  16,715  27,436  62,745   (79,460)  27,436  17,355  27,820  65,640   (82,995)  27,820
                        

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 $41,888 $39,115 $60,377  $(79,460) $61,920 $45,096 $41,236 $57,854  $(82,995) $61,191
                        

See notes to supplemental guarantor information

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet

At June 30, 20072008

(US$ 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 $2,275 $—   $2,387  $—    $4,662

Receivables, net

  24  —    5,818   —     5,842  17  1  6,967   —     6,985

Inventories, net

  —    —    2,039   —     2,039  —    —    2,255   —     2,255

Other

  9  —    362   —     371  7  —    453   —     460
                        

Total current assets

  5,483  —    10,423   —     15,906  2,299  1  12,062   —     14,362
                        

Non-current assets:

          

Receivables

  1  —    436   —     437  1  —    463   —     464

Inventories, net

  —    —    2,626   —     2,626  —    —    3,064   —     3,064

Property, plant and equipment, net

  82  —    5,535   —     5,617  79  —    6,942   —     7,021

Intangible assets, net

  —    —    11,703   —     11,703  —    —    14,460   —     14,460

Goodwill

  —    —    13,819   —     13,819  —    —    18,620   —     18,620

Other

  131  1  690   —     822  122  —    911   —     1,033

Investments

          

Investments in associated companies and other investments

  108  5  11,300   —     11,413  69  44  3,171   —     3,284

Intragroup investments

  39,028  38,045  —     (77,073)  —    41,351  41,619  —     (82,970)  —  
                        

Total investments

  39,136  38,050  11,300   (77,073)  11,413  41,420  41,663  3,171   (82,970)  3,284
                        

TOTAL ASSETS

 $44,833 $38,051 $56,532  $(77,073) $62,343 $43,921 $41,664 $59,693  $(82,970) $62,308
                        

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

          

Current liabilities:

          

Borrowings

 $350 $—   $5  $—    $355 $200 $—   $81  $—    $281

Other current liabilities

  1  —    7,138   —     7,139  43  —    8,858   —     8,901
                        

Total current liabilities

  351  —    7,143   —     7,494  243  —    8,939   —     9,182

Non-current liabilities:

          

Borrowings

  11,960  —    187   —     12,147  13,091  —    139   —     13,230

Other non-current liabilities

  519  2  8,697   —     9,218  537  4  9,738   —     10,279

Intercompany

  14,608  5,127  (19,735)  —     —    12,790  13,037  (25,827)  —     —  

Minority interest in subsidiaries

  —    —    562   —     562  —    —    994   —     994

Stockholders’ Equity

  17,395  32,922  59,678   (77,073)  32,922  17,260  28,623  65,710   (82,970)  28,623
                        

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 $44,833 $38,051 $56,532  $(77,073) $62,343 $43,921 $41,664 $59,693  $(82,970) $62,308
                        

See notes to supplemental guarantor information

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

For the ninethree months ended March 31,September 30, 2008

(US$ 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

  $(5,168) $782  $7,016  $—    $2,630   $712  $2  $(474) $—    $240 
                                

Investing and other activities:

              

Property, plant and equipment

   (7)  —     (1,020)  —     (1,027)   (2)  —     (211)  —     (213)

Investments

   1   —     (6,214)  —     (6,213)   (6)  (4)  (86)  —     (96)

Proceeds from sale of investments and non-current assets

   —     —     385   —     385 

Proceeds from sale of investments, non-current assets and business disposals

   —     —     1,010   —     1,010 
                                

Net cash used in investing activities

   (6)  —     (6,849)  —     (6,855)

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

   (8)  (4)  713   —     701 
                                

Financing activities:

              

Borrowings

   1,237   —     18   —     1,255    —     —     38   —     38 

Repayment of borrowings

   (350)  —     (363)  —     (713)   —     —     (33)  —     (33)

Issuance of shares

   —     69   7   —     76    —     2   1   —     3 

Repurchase of shares

   —     (672)  —     —     (672)

Dividends paid

   —     (179)  (24)  —     (203)   —     —     (7)  —     (7)

Other, net

   —     —     19   —     19    —     —     18   —     18 
                                

Net cash used in (provided by) financing activities

   887   (782)  (343)  —     (238)

Net cash provided by financing activities

   —     2   17   —     19 
                                

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

   (4,287)  —     (176)  —     (4,463)

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

   704   —     256   —     960 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

   5,450   —     2,204   —     7,654    2,275   —     2,387   —     4,662 

Exchange movement on opening cash balance

   —     —     53   —     53    —     —     (122)  —     (122)
                                

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

  $1,163  $—    $2,081  $—    $3,244   $2,979  $—    $2,521  $—    $5,500 
                                

See notes to supplemental guarantor information

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

For the ninethree months ended March 31,September 30, 2007

(US$ 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

  $(142) $630  $2,040  $—    $2,528 

Net cash provided by operating activities

  $488  $83  $232  $—    $803 
                                

Investing and other activities:

       

Investing activities:

       

Property, plant and equipment

   (6)  —     (898)  —     (904)   (4)  —     (339)  —     (343)

Investments

   (17)  —     (1,008)  —     (1,025)   —     —     (271)  —     (271)

Proceeds from sale of investments and non-current assets

   5   —     405   —     410 

Proceeds from sale of investments, non-current assets and business disposals

   —     —     289   —     289 
                                

Net cash used in investing activities

   (18)  —     (1,501)  —     (1,519)   (4)  —     (321)  —     (325)
                                

Financing activities:

              

Borrowings

   1,000   —     181   —     1,181    —     —     10   —     10 

Repayment of borrowings

   —     —     (190)  —     (190)

Issuance of shares

   —     316   34   —     350    —     39   —     —     39 

Repurchase of shares

   —     (783)  —     —     (783)   —     (122)  —     —     (122)

Dividends paid

   —     (180)  (6)  —     (186)   —     —     (2)  —     (2)

Other, net

   —     —     22     22 
                                

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

   1,000   (647)  19   —     372 

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

   —     (83)  30   —     (53)
                                

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

   840   (17)  558   —     1,381    484   —     (59)  —     425 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

   4,094   17   1,672   —     5,783    5,450   —     2,204   —     7,654 

Exchange movement on opening cash balance

   —     —     82   —     82    —     —     39   —     39 
                                

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

  $4,934  $—    $2,312  $—    $7,246   $5,934  $—    $2,184  $—    $8,118 
                                

See notes to supplemental guarantor information

NEWS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(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.

 

(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

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 eitherto date during fiscal 20082009 that the Company believes are important in understanding its 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 nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2008 and 2007. 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 ninethree months ended March 31,September 30, 2008 and 2007. 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 entertainmentglobal media 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 original television programming worldwide.

 

Television, which, principally consists of the operation of 3527 full power broadcast television stations, including nine duopolies, in the United States (of these stations, 2517 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.

 

Direct Broadcast Satellite Television(“DBS”), 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 145147 newspapers in Australia, the publication of a metropolitan newspaper and a national newspaper (with international editions) in the United States and the provision of information services.

 

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

 

Other, which includesprincipally consists of 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.activities; and News Outdoor, an advertising business which offers display advertising in outdoor locations primarily throughout Russia and Eastern Europe.

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 home entertainment, (including DVDs), video-on-demand and 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 further 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, at September 30, 2008, the 3527 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’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 DBSdirect broadcast satellite (“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 March 31,September 30, 2008 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 March 31,September 30, 2008, 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. The Company is currently prohibited from providing a pay DTT service under regulations of the European Commission.

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.newspapers, and subscriptions. 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 promotional 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.markets. 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 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

The Other segment consists primarily of:

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 and broadband 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. Significant NDS expenses include smart card costs, royalties for the use of certain intellectual properties, salaries, employee benefits, travel, rent and other routine overhead.

FIM

FIM sells advertising, sponsorships and subscription services on the Company’s various Internet properties. Significant FIM expenses include development costs, advertising and promotional expenses, salaries, employee benefits and other routine overhead. The Company’s Internet properties include the social networking site MySpace.com, IGN.com, FOXsports.com, Scout.com, RottenTomatoes.com, Askmen.com and Photobucket.com. FIM also has a distribution agreement with Microsoft’s MSN for FOXsports.com and a search technology and services agreement with Google.

News Outdoor

The Company sells, through its News Outdoor businesses, outdoor advertising space on various media, primarily in Russia and Eastern Europe. Significant expenses associated with the News Outdoor business include

site lease costs, direct production, maintenance and installation expenses, salaries, employee benefits and other routine overhead. In June 2007, the Company announced that it intendsits intention 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 these strategic options.

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 & Company (“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.

In December 2007,July 2008, the Company completed the acquisitionsale of Dow Jones pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of July 31, 2007, by and among the Company, Ruby Newco LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (“Ruby Newco”), Dow Jones and Diamond Merger Sub Corporation, as amended (the “Merger Agreement”). Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, each share of Dow Jones common stock was converted into the right to receive, at the election of the holder, either (x) $60.00 in cash or (y) 2.8681 Class B common units of Ruby Newco. Each Class B common unit of Ruby Newco is convertible after a period of time into a share of News Corporation Class A common stock. The consideration for the 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 $50 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.

The Company believes that the 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 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$1 billion in cash. The Stations include:included: 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, and (b) the receipt of the consent of the FCC relating to the assignment or transfer of control of the television broadcasting licenses issued by the FCC for the Stations. 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. On May 2, 2008, the transaction closed. In connection with thisthe transaction, News Corporation disposed of its entire interest in Gemstar’s common stock in exchangethe Stations entered into new affiliation agreements with the Company to receive network programming and assumed existing contracts with the Company for syndicated programming. In addition, the Company recorded a cash paymentgain of approximately $637$232 million and approximately 19 million shares of Macrovision Solutions Corporation common stock. The Company expects to record a gain on the transaction.

In February 2008, the Company closed the previously announced transaction contemplated by the share exchange agreement (the “Share Exchange Agreement”) with Liberty Media Corporation (“Liberty”). Pursuant to the terms of the Share Exchange Agreement, Liberty exchanged its entire interest in the Company’s common stock (approximately 325 million shares of Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Class A Common Stock”) and 188 million shares of Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Class B Common Stock”) for 100% of a subsidiary of the Company, whose holdings consisted of the Company’s approximately 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 (FSN Northwest, FSN Pittsburgh and FSN Rocky Mountain) (the “Three RSNs”) and approximately $625 million in cash (the “Exchange”). The Exchange resulted in the divestiture of the Company’s entire interest in DIRECTV and the Three RSNs to Liberty. The consideration was negotiated between the parties and the Share Exchange Agreement was approved by the disinterested stockholders of the Company. A tax-free gain of $1.7 billion on the Exchange was recognized in Other, net in the unaudited consolidated statementstatements of operations for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2008. Upon the closing of the Share Exchange Agreement, the Company entered 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 were operating on the closing date of the Share Exchange Agreement.

During the third quarter of fiscalOn August 14, 2008, the Company, through a seriestwo newly incorporated subsidiaries of transactions,funds advised by Permira Advisers LLP (the “Permira Newcos”) and the Company’s majority owned, publicly held subsidiary, NDS Group plc (“NDS”) announced that the Company and the Permira Newcos signed an agreement (the “Agreement”) with NDS pursuant to which all issued and outstanding shares of NDS Series A ordinary shares, including those represented by American Depositary Shares traded on The NASDAQ Stock Market, would be acquired a 19.99% ownership interest in Premiere for cashper-share consideration of $63 in cash. If consummated, the transactions contemplated in the Agreement (the “Proposed Transaction”) would result in NDS ceasing to be a public company and the Permira Newcos and the Company owning approximately $545 million.51% and 49% of NDS, respectively. As part of the Proposed Transaction, approximately 67% of the NDS Series B ordinary shares held by the Company will be exchanged for $63 per share in a mix of cash of approximately $1.5 billion and a $242 million vendor note. The Proposed Transaction is conditioned upon, among other things, the approval of the Proposed Transaction by holders of NDS’ Series A ordinary shares, the approval of the High Court of Justice of England and Wales, the receipt of certain regulatory approvals, the receipt of funding by NDS and certain other customary closing conditions. There can be no assurance that the Proposed Transaction will be consummated.

In October 2008, the Company has subsequently entered into several purchase transactions, and, aspurchased VeriSign Inc.’s minority share of April 8, 2008 increased its ownershipthe Jamba joint venture for approximately $200 million, increasing the Company’s interest in Premiere to approximately 23% for additional cash consideration totaling approximately $66 million.100%.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Results of Operations—For the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2008 versus the three and nine months ended March 31, September 30,2007.

The following table sets forth the Company’s operating results for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2008, as compared to the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2007.

 

  For the three months ended
March 31,
 For the nine months ended
March 31,
   For the three months ended September 30, 
2008 2007 % Change 2008 2007 % Change   2008 2007 Change % Change 
(in millions, except % and per share amounts)   ($ in millions) 

Revenues

  $8,750  $7,530  16% $24,407  $21,288  15%  $7,509  $7,067  $442  6%

Expenses:

            

Operating

   5,452   4,922  11%  15,303   14,017  9%   4,572   4,408   164  4%

Selling, general and administrative

   1,568   1,145  37%  4,300   3,400  26%   1,688   1,290   398  31%

Depreciation and amortization

   292   224  30%  901   637  41%   296   322   (26) (8)%
                                

Total operating income

   1,438   1,239  16%  3,903   3,234  21%   953   1,047   (94) (9)%
                                

Equity earnings of affiliates

   109   255  (57)%  305   747  (59)%

Equity (losses) earnings of affiliates

   (359)  246   (605) **

Interest expense, net

   (244)  (220) 11%  (702)  (632) 11%   (221)  (213)  (8) 4%

Interest income

   37   79  (53)%  215   226  (5)%   40   100   (60) (60)%

Other, net

   1,673   47  **  1,860   493  **   304   —     304  **
                                

Income before income tax expense and minority interest in subsidiaries

   3,013   1,400  **  5,581   4,068  37%   717   1,180   (463) (39)%

Income tax expense

   (300)  (517) (42)%  (1,234)  (1,486) (17)%   (181)  (414)  233  (56)%

Minority interest in subsidiaries, net of tax

   (19)  (12) 58%  (89)  (46) **   (21)  (34)  13  (38)%
                                

Net income

  $2,694  $871  ** $4,258  $2,536  68%  $515  $732  $(217) (30)%
                                

Diluted earnings per share(1)

  $0.91  $0.27  ** $1.38  $0.80  73%  $0.20  $0.23  $(0.03) (13)%

 

**not meaningful

(1)

Represents earnings per share based on the total weighted average shares outstanding (Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock combined) for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007. During fiscal 2007, Class A Common Stock carried rights to a greater dividend than Class B Common 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 to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements of News Corporation.

Overview—The Company’s revenues increased 16% and 15%6% for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2008 respectively, as compared to the corresponding periodsperiod of fiscal 2007. The impact of foreign currency translations represented 4% of the revenue increase for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2008. The remaining increase was primarily due to revenue increases at the NewspaperNewspapers and Information Services, TelevisionDBS and Cable Network Programming segments. The increase at the NewspaperNewspapers and Information Services segment was primarily due to the inclusion of revenue from Dow Jones & Company, Inc. (“Dow Jones”), which was acquired in December 2007. The increase at the DBS segment was primarily due to an increase in subscribers, as well as an increase in revenue due to the timing of revenue recognition from expanded soccer programming in the three months ended September 30, 2008. Cable Network Programming revenues increased in the three months ended September 30, 2008, as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2008, primarily due to an increase in net affiliate and advertising revenues, as well as the consolidation of National Geographic Channel US (“NGC US”) beginning in October 2007. These increases were partially offset by revenue decreases at the Filmed Entertainment and Television segmentsegments in the three months ended September 30, 2008.

Operating expenses increased 4% for the three months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2008. The increase was primarily due to incremental expenses from the broadcastacquisition of the Super Bowl which was not telecast on FOX in fiscal 2007. The Cable Network Programming segment increase was primarily due to the consolidation of the National Geographic channelsDow Jones and higher net affiliate revenues.

Operating expenses for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2008 increased 11% and 9%, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods of fiscal 2007. The increases were primarily due to incremental costs from acquisitions, the launch of new businesses, higher sports rights costs at the Television segment due to the broadcast of the Super Bowl which was not telecast on FOX in fiscal 2007and unfavorable

foreign exchange movements at the DBS and Newspaper and Information Services segments.segment. The increasesincrease in operatingOperating expenses werewas partially offset by the absence of expenses related to the ICC Cricket World Cup that were includedlower releasing costs, and a decrease in the corresponding periods of fiscal 2007 and by decreased amortization of production costs and home entertainment marketing and manufacturingparticipation costs at the Filmed Entertainment segment.

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 31% for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2008 increased approximately 37% and 26%, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periodsperiod of fiscal 2007. These increases were2008. The Newspapers and Information Services segment accounted for approximately 60% of this increase primarily due to incremental expenses from the acquisition of Dow Jones.

The balance of the increase was due to incremental costs related to acquisitions, increasednew channel launches, higher employee costsexpenses and unfavorable foreign exchange movements atacross the Newspapers and Information Services and DBSCompany’s other seven segments.

Depreciation and amortization increased 30% and 41%decreased 8% for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2008 respectively, as compared to the corresponding periodsperiod of fiscal 2007.2008. The increasesdecrease in depreciation and amortization werewas primarily due to the absence of depreciation on the decommissioned printing presses included in the corresponding period of additional propertyfiscal 2008. The decrease was partially offset by incremental depreciation and equipment acquired through acquisitions,amortization from the acquisition of Dow Jones and higher amortization of finite lived intangible assetsdepreciation due to acquisitions, additional property, plant and equipment placed into service and the impact of unfavorable foreign exchange movements at the Newspapers and Information Services and DBS segments. The nine months ended March 31, 2008 also included higher accelerated depreciation at the Newspapers and Information Services segment as compared to the nine months ended March 31, 2007.service.

Operating income increased 16% and 21%decreased 9% for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2008 respectively, as compared to the corresponding periodsperiod of fiscal 2007. The impact of foreign currency translations represented 4% of the operating income increase for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2008. The remaining increase was2008, primarily due to increased operatingdecreased Operating income at the Television, Newspapers and Information Services, Cable Network ProgrammingFilmed Entertainment and Other segments. Also contributing to increases in the nine months were increases at the DBS segment. These increasesdecreases were partially offset by decreases inincreased Operating income at the Filmed Entertainment Segment for the threeDBS and nine months ended March 31, 2008.Cable Network Programming segments.

Equity (losses) earnings of affiliates—Equity (losses) earnings of affiliates Net earnings from equity affiliates decreased $146 million and $442$605 million for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2008 respectively, as compared to the corresponding periodsperiod of fiscal 2007.2008. The decreases weredecrease was primarily due to the inclusion of $447 million in losses from Premiere, principally representing a resultwrite-down of lowerthe Company’s investment, as well as the absence of contributions from British Sky BroadcastingThe DIRECTV Group, plcInc. (“BSkyB”DIRECTV”) due to write-downs of its ITV investment in the three and nine months ended March 31, 2008. The Company’s portion of the ITV plc write down was $101 million and $374 million in the three and nine months ended March 31, 2008, respectively. Also contributing to the decreases in earnings from equity affiliates was lower contributions from DIRECTV due to the exchange of the Company’s entire interest in DIRECTV towith Liberty onMedia Corporation in February 27, 2008 as partand the disposition of the Share Exchange Agreement. (See Note 2—Acquisitions, Disposals and Other Transactions to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements of News Corporation)Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc. in May 2008.

 

  For the three months ended
March 31,
 For the nine months ended
March 31,
   For the three months ended September 30, 
  2008      2007      % Change     2008      2007      % Change         2008         2007      Change % Change 
(in millions, except %)   (in millions) 

DBS equity affiliates

   72   209  (66)%  171   618  (72)%  $(393) $173  $(566) **

Cable channel equity affiliates

   18   22  (18)%  55   66  (17)%   24   23   1  4%

Other equity affiliates

   19   24  (21)%  79   63  25%   10   50   (40) (80)%
                                

Total equity earnings of affiliates

  $109  $255  (57)% $305  $747  (59)%

Total equity (losses) earnings of affiliates

  $(359) $246  $(605) **
                                

**not meaningful

Interest expense, net—netInterest expense, net increased $24$8 million and $70 million for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2008, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periodsperiod of fiscal 2007,2008, 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. This increase was partially offset by the retirement of the Company’s $350 million 6.625% Senior Notes due January 2008.

Interest income—Interest income decreased $42$60 million and $11 million for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2008, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periodsperiod of fiscal 2007,2008, primarily as a result of lower average cash balances, principally due to cash used in the acquisition of Dow Jones.Jones, as well as lower interest rates.

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

 

  For the three months
ended March 31,
  For the nine months
ended March 31,
 
     2008          2007          2008          2007     
 (in millions)  (in millions) 

Gain on Share Exchange Agreement(a)

 $1,682  $—    $1,682  $—   

Termination of participation rights agreement (a)

  —     97   —     97 

Gain on the sale of China Network Systems (b)

  23   —     125   —   

Impairment of cost based investments (b)

  (123)  —     (125)  (2)

Gain on sale of Sky Brasil(b)

  —     —     —     261 

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

  —     —     —     136 

Change in fair value of exchangeable securities(c)

  104   (52)  206   16 

Other

  (13)  2   (28)  (15)
                

Total Other, net

 $1,673  $47  $1,860  $493 
                
   For the three months
ended September 30,
 
       2008          2007     
   (in millions) 

Gain on the sale of the Stations(a)

  $232  $—   

Gain on the sale of China Network Systems(b)

   —     102 

Change in fair value of exchangeable securities and other financial instruments(c)

   62   (87)

Other

   10   (15)
         

Total Other, net

  $304  $—   
         

 

(a)(a)

See Note 2—Acquisitions, Disposals and Other Transactions to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements of News Corporation.

(b)

See Note 6— 5—Investments to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements of News Corporation.

(c)(c)

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 expenseThe effective income tax rate for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2008 of 25% was 10% and 22%, respectively, which were lower than the statutory rate and the effective tax rate of 37%35% in the corresponding periodsperiod of fiscal 2007.2008. The lower ratesrate in the current fiscal year werethree months ended September 30, 2008 primarily resulted from the release of a valuation allowance due to the closingsale of the tax-free Share Exchange Agreement and the reversal of previously deferred tax liabilities for DIRECTV and the Three RSNs. The Share Exchange Agreement was designed to qualify as a tax-free split-off under Section 355 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and, as a result, no income tax provision was recorded against the gain recorded on the transaction.Stations in July 2008.

Minority interest in subsidiaries, net of tax—Minority interest expense increased $7 million and $43decreased $13 million for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2008 respectively, as compared to the corresponding periodsperiod of fiscal 2007. These increases were2008. The decrease was primarily due to decreases in net income at NDS and certain other international entities. This decrease was partially offset by the additionalinclusion of the minority interest allocated to minority shareholders of National Geographic Channel (US) (“associated with NGC US”) and the international National Geographic entities,US, which werewas consolidated beginning in January 2007 and, were not consolidated in the corresponding periods of the prior fiscal year.October 2007.

Net income—incomeNet income increased $1,823 million and $1,722 million for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2008 respectively,decreased 30% as compared to the corresponding periodsperiod of fiscal 2007.2008. The increasesdecrease in Net income werewas primarily due to an increase in Other, net resulting from the gain recorded on the Share Exchange Agreement, as well as the operating income increases noted above. These increases were partially offset by decreased earnings from equity affiliates, and increased interest expenseas well as the Operating income decreases noted above. The decreases were partially offset by the gain on the sale of the Stations in July 2008.

Segment Analysis:

The following table sets forth the Company’s revenues and operating income by segment for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2008 as compared to the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2007.

 

  For the three months ended
March 31,
 For the nine months ended
March 31,
   For the three months ended September 30, 
2008 2007 % Change 2008 2007 % Change       2008         2007     Change % Change 
  (in millions, except %)   (in millions) 

Revenues:

         

Filmed Entertainment

  $1,618  $1,802  (10)% $5,176  $5,280  (2)%  $1,259  $1,582  $(323) (20)%

Television

   1,799   1,568  15%  4,474   4,271  5%   974   1,145   (171) (15)%

Cable Network Programming

   1,270   998  27%  3,608   2,807  29%   1,309   1,102   207  19%

Direct Broadcast Satellite Television

   993   825  20%  2,695   2,211  22%   969   747   222  30%

Magazines and Inserts

   299   303  (1)%  836   844  (1)%   259   264   (5) (2)%

Newspapers and Information Services

   1,744   1,123  55%  4,404   3,290  34%   1,705   1,244   461  37%

Book Publishing

   302   291  4%  1,038   1,052  (1)%   315   330   (15) (5)%

Other

   725   620  17%  2,176   1,533  42%   719   653   66  10%
                                

Total revenues

  $8,750  $7,530  16% $24,407  $21,288  15%

Total revenues

  $7,509  $7,067  $442  6%
                                

Operating income (loss):

            

Filmed Entertainment

  $261  $410  (36)% $1,026  $1,119  (8)%  $251  $362  $(111) (31)%

Television

   419   273  53%  847   577  47%   54   183   (129) (70)%

Cable Network Programming

   330   282  17%  956   806  19%   379   289   90  31%

Direct Broadcast Satellite Television

   97   91  7%  207   66  **   165   48   117  **

Magazines and Inserts

   93   102  (9)%  257   254  1%   68   79   (11) (14)%

Newspapers and Information Services

   216   156  38%  505   450  12%   134   93   41  44%

Book Publishing

   29   29  —     132   138  (4)%   3   36   (33) (92)%

Other

   (7)  (104) (93)%  (27)  (176) (85)%   (101)  (43)  (58) **
                                

Total operating income

  $1,438  $1,239  16% $3,903  $3,234  21%  $953  $1,047  $(94) (9)%
                                

 

**not meaningful

Filmed Entertainment (21%(17% and 25%22% of the Company’s consolidated revenues in the first nine monthsquarter of fiscal 20082009 and 2007,2008, respectively)

For the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2008, revenues and Operating income at the Filmed Entertainment segment decreased $184$323 million, or 10%20%, and $149 million, or 36%, respectively, as compared withto the corresponding period of fiscal 2007.2008. The revenue decreases weredecrease was primarily due to a decrease in worldwide theatrical revenues, as well as a decrease in worldwide home entertainment revenues and lower network revenuesrevenue from Twentieth Century Fox Television, partially offset by higherTelevision. The decrease in worldwide theatrical revenues. Therevenues for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2008 includedwas primarily due to the domestic home entertainment release ofHitmanand the continued worldwide home entertainment performancessuccess ofThe Simpsons Movie andLive Free or Die Hard in the three months ended September 30, 2007 with no comparable releases in the current period. The three months ended September 30, 2008 included the theatrical releases ofX Files: I Want to Believe, Meet Dave, Babylon A.D. andThe Rocker and their related releasing costs. Also contributing to the three months ended September 30, 2008 was the pay television performance ofThe Simpsons Movie, as well as the successful theatrical releases and initial releasing costs ofHorton Hears a Who!, Jumper, 27 Dresses,AVP: Requiem,Alvin and The Chipmunks andJuno. The three months ended March 31, 2007 included the successfulworldwide home entertainment performances ofWhat Happens in Vegas andJumper.

For the three months ended September 30, 2008, the Filmed Entertainment segment’s Operating income decreased $111 million, or 31%, as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2008. The Devil Wears Prada, Borat: Cultural Learningsdecrease was primarily due to the revenue decreases noted above, partially offset by lower releasing, production and participation costs partially offset by lower releasing costs, and a decrease in amortization of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nationproduction and participation costs.

Television(13% and 16% of Kazakhstan,and Eragonthe Company’s consolidated revenues in the first quarter of fiscal 2009 and 2008, respectively)

For the successful theatrical performancethree months ended September 30, 2008, Television segment revenues decreased $171 million, or 15%, as compared to the corresponding period ofNight at the Museum. fiscal 2008. The Television segment reported a decrease in Operating income for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2008 was primarily due to the revenue decreases noted above and higher theatrical releasing costs, partially offset by lower amortization of production and participation costs directly associated with the decrease in revenues noted above.

For the nine months ended March 31, 2008, the Filmed Entertainment segment’s revenues and Operating income decreased $104$129 million, or 2%, and $93 million, or 8%, respectively,70% as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2007. The revenue decreases were primarily due to a decrease in worldwide home entertainment

revenues and lower network revenues from Twentieth Century Fox Television, partially offset by higher worldwide theatrical revenues. The nine months ended March 31, 2008 included the worldwide theatrical and home entertainment performances ofThe Simpsons Movie andLive Free or Die Hard,the worldwide home entertainment performance ofFantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surferand the successful theatrical releases and initial releasing costs ofHorton Hears a Who!, Alvin and The Chipmunks, JumperandJuno.The nine months ended March 31, 2007 included the successful worldwide home entertainment performances ofIce Age: The MeltdownandX-Men: The Last Stand, worldwide theatrical and home entertainment performances ofThe Devil Wears Prada,Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstanand Eragon,and the worldwide theatrical performance ofNight at the Museum.The decrease in Operating income for the nine months ended March 31, 2008 was primarily due to revenue decreases noted above partially offset by lower releasing costs.2008.

Television(18% and 20% of the Company’s consolidated revenues in the first nine months of fiscal 2008 and 2007, respectively)

For the three and nine months ended March 31, 2008, Television segment revenues increased $231 million, or 15%, and $203 million, or 5%, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods of fiscal 2007. The Television segment reported an increase in Operating income for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2008 of $146 million and $270 million, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods of fiscal 2007.

Revenues for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2008 at the Company’s U.S. television operations increased 15% and 3%, respectively,decreased 18% as compared to the corresponding periodsperiod of fiscal 2007.2008. The increases weredecrease was primarily due to increaseddecreased advertising revenues as a result of general weakness in the advertising markets and competition from the telecastOlympics which was broadcast on a different network during the three months ended September 30, 2008. Also contributing to the decrease was the absence of the Super Bowl,Emmy® Awards, which was not telecastbroadcast on FOX during the corresponding period of fiscal 2008, as well as the absence of $63 million of revenue from the Stations sold in fiscal 2007, and higher advertising revenues due to increased pricing. For the nine months ended March 31, 2008, theseJuly 2008. These revenue increasesdecreases were partially offset by increased advertising pricing and improved performance of MLB’s All-Star game at the absence of the MLB Divisional Series in fiscal 2008broadcast network and a decreasean increase in political advertising revenues at the Company’s television stations.stations owned by the Company. Operating income for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2008 at the Company’s U.S. television operations increaseddecreased as compared to the corresponding periodsperiod of fiscal 2007.2008. The increasesdecrease in Operating income werewas a result of the higher revenue increasesdecreases noted above, as well as the absence of $17 million of Operating income from the Stations sold in July 2008, partially offset by improved operating results at MyNetworkTV due to lower programming costs. Also contributing tocosts as the increase in Operating income for the nine months ended March 31,corresponding period of fiscal 2008 was the absence of sportsincluded programming costs from the MLB Divisional Series which was telecast in fiscal 2007. The increases noted above were partially offset by increased sports programming costs due to the telecast of the Super Bowl.write-offs.

Revenues for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2008 at the Company’s international television operations increased as compared to the corresponding periodsperiod of fiscal 2007.2008. The increases wereincrease was primarily due to higher advertising revenues in India and higher subscription revenues. Operating income at the Company’s international television operations increaseddecreased for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2008 as compared to the corresponding periodsperiod of fiscal 2007,2008, primarily due to a settlement relating to the termination of a distribution agreement of approximately $30 million. These costs were partially offset by the revenue increases noted above which were partially offset by increased programming costs.above.

Cable Network Programming (15%(17% and 13%16% of the Company’s consolidated revenues in the first nine monthsquarter of fiscal 20082009 and 2007,2008, respectively)

For the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2008, revenues for the Cable Network Programming segment increased $272$207 million, or 27%19%, and $801 million, or 29%, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periodsperiod of fiscal 2007. These increases were2008. This increase was driven by higher net affiliate and advertising revenues at Fox News, FX, the Big Ten Network and the Company’s international cable channels, as well as net affiliate revenue growth at the RSNs.FIC. Also contributing to the revenue growth was incremental revenues of $82 million and $264$58 million for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2008 respectively, due to the consolidation of the National Geographic channels.NGC US beginning in October 2007.

For the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2008, Fox News’ revenues increased 16% and 24%, respectively,19% as compared to the corresponding periodsperiod of fiscal 2007,2008, primarily due to an increase in net affiliate and advertising revenues. Net affiliate revenues increased 26% and 56% for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2008, respectively,27% primarily due to higher average rates per subscriber and lower cable distribution amortization as compared to the corresponding periods of fiscal 2007. Advertising revenues for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2008 increased 5% and 9%, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods of fiscal 2007 due to higher volume and higher pricing. As of March 31, 2008, Fox News reached approximately 94 million Nielsen households.

The RSNs’ revenues increased 6% and 9% for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2008, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods of fiscal 2007, primarily due to increases in net affiliate revenues. During the three and nine months ended March 31, 2008, net affiliate revenues increased 8% and 11%, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods of fiscal 2007, primarily due to higher affiliate rates and a higher number of subscribers. Advertising revenues during the nine months ended March 31, 2008 were consistent with the corresponding periods of fiscal 2007.

FX’s revenues increased 15% and 9% for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2008, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods of fiscal 2007, driven by net affiliate and advertising revenues. Net affiliate revenues increased for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2008 as a result of an increase in the average rate per subscriber and the number of subscribers. Advertising revenues for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2008 increased 17% and 6%, respectively,11% as compared to the corresponding periodsperiod of fiscal 20072008 due to higher pricing and volume.pricing. As of March 31,September 30, 2008, FXFox News reached approximately 9495 million Nielsen households.

Revenues at the Company’s international cable channelsFX’s revenues increased 9% for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2008 as compared to the corresponding periodsperiod of fiscal 2007,2008, driven by net affiliate and advertising revenue increases. Net affiliate revenues increased 9% for the three months ended September 30, 2008 as a result of an increase in the average rate per subscriber and the number of subscribers. As of September 30, 2008, FX reached approximately 95 million Nielsen households.

FIC’s revenues increased for the three months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2008, primarily due to the consolidation of NGC Network Europe LLC (“NGC Europe”) which was not consolidated in the corresponding periods of the prior fiscal year. Also contributing to these increases were improved advertising sales and subscriber growth in Latin America, Italy and at the other FIC channels.international National Geographic Channels.

For the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2008, Operating income at the Cable Network Programming segment increased $48$90 million, or 17%31%, and $150 million, or 19%, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periodsperiod of fiscal 2007,2008, primarily due to the increases in revenues noted above. The revenue increases were partially offset by $224a $117 million and $651 million increasesincrease in operating expenses during the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2008 respectively, as compared to the corresponding periodsperiod of fiscal 2007.2008. The increasesincrease in operating expenses werewas primarily due to increasedhigher movie acquisition and original programming costs, resulting from an increase in the number of MLB and NBA games broadcast at the RSNs, higher entertainment programming costs of movies and new showsas well as increased political coverage and the launch of the Big Ten Network and Fox Business Network in the current fiscal year. The launches of the Big Ten Network and Fox Business Network resulted in approximately $38 million and $125 million in operating losses for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2008, respectively. The consolidation of the National Geographic channels resulted in incremental Operating income of approximately $18 million and $66 million for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2008, respectively.new international channels. Also contributing to the increased expenses were higher selling, generalSelling, General, and administrativeAdministrative expenses during the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2008, primarily due to the launch of the new channels.

Direct Broadcast Satellite Television(11%13% and 10% of the Company’s consolidated revenues in the first nine monthsquarter of fiscal 20082009 and 2007,2008, respectively)

For the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2008, SKY ItaliaItalia’s revenues increased $168$222 million, or 20%, and $484 million, or 22%30%, as compared to the corresponding periodsperiod of fiscal 2007. This2008. Approximately 60% of this revenue growth was attributed to expanded soccer programming and the balance was primarily driven byattributed to subscriber growth. SKY Italia had an increase of approximately 342,000359,000 in subscribers in the nine months ended March 31, 2008 over the corresponding period of fiscal 2007 and the weakening of the U.S. dollar in relation to the Euro which

resulted in 14% and 11% of the increase in revenues for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2008, respectively. During the third quarter of fiscal 2008, SKY Italia added approximately 77,000 net subscribers, which increased SKY Italia’s total subscriber base to 4.5over 4.6 million at March 31,September 30, 2008. Revenue from the premium soccer programming was higher due to the timing of revenue recognition as SKY Italia expanded its soccer programming and now broadcasts throughout fiscal 2009 as compared to only ten months of programming in fiscal 2008. The increase in revenue from the premium soccer programming will be offset over the remaining three quarters of fiscal 2009. The total churn for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2008 was approximately 108,000133,000 subscribers on an average subscriber base of 4.54.6 million, as compared to churn of approximately 80,000150,000 subscribers on an average subscriber base of 4.14.2 million in the corresponding periodfirst quarter of fiscal 2007. The total churn for the nine months ended March 31, 2008 was approximately 337,000 subscribers on an average subscriber base of 4.4 million, as compared to churn of approximately 329,000 subscribers on an average subscriber base of 4.0 million in the corresponding period of fiscal 2007.2008. Subscriber churn for the period represents the number of SKY Italia subscribers whose service was disconnected during the period. Also contributing to the increase in revenues was the weakening of the U.S. dollar against the Euro which resulted in 9% of the increase in revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2008.

Average revenue per subscriber (“ARPU”) for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2008 wasincreased to approximately €45 and €43 respectively, which were consistent with the ARPU forfrom €39 in the corresponding periodsperiod of fiscal 2007.2008. The increase was primarily due to the positive timing impact of soccer programming packages related revenue recognition due to the broadcast change

noted above. 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 €230€300 in the thirdfirst quarter fiscal 2009 increased over the first quarter of fiscal 2008, decreasedprimarily due to increased marketing costs both in the aggregate and on a per subscriber basis to support a programming package price increase for both new and existing subscribers, as compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2007,well as the upfront activation fees paid by the subscribers increased as compared to the corresponding periodlaunch of fiscal 2007.new premium services. 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 nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2008, SKY Italia’s Operating incomeoperating results improved by $6$117 million and $141 million, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periodsperiod of fiscal 2007. For the three and nine months ended March 31, 2008, the weakening of the U.S. dollar in relation to the Euro represented 13% and 12%, respectively, of the total improvement in operating results.2008. The increases were alsoincrease was primarily due to the revenue increases noted above, partially offset by an increase in operating expenses. The increase in operating expenses was primarily due to higher fees paid for programming costs as a result of an increase in the number of subscribers, the additional programming costs due to new channelspremium service installations and higher number of movie titles,marketing costs to support a programming package price increase for both new and existing subscribers, as well as the costlaunch of new subscriber promotional offerings.premium services. For the three months ended September 30, 2008, the weakening of the U.S. dollar against the Euro represented 10% of the total improvement in operating results.

Magazines and Inserts(3% and 4% of the Company’s consolidated revenues in the first nine monthsquarter of fiscal 2009 and 2008, and 2007)respectively)

For the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2008, revenues at the Magazines and Inserts segment decreased $4$5 million and $8 million, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periodsperiod of fiscal 2007, primarily due to lower rates for and lower volume in free-standing insert products.2008. The decrease in the nine months ended March 31, 2008 wasrevenues resulted primarily from a decrease in volume of in-store marketing products, partially offset by higher ratescustom publishing revenue for in-store marketingfree-standing insert products.

For the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2008, Operating income at the Magazines and Inserts segment decreased $9$11 million, or 9%14%, as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2007,2008. The decrease was primarily due to the revenue decreasedecreases noted above, andas well as higher legal expenses. Operating income for the nine months ended March 31, 2008 increased $3 million, or 1%, primarily due to lower production costs for free-standing insert products partially offset by the revenue decrease noted above and higher legal expenses.

Newspapers and Information Services(18%23% and 16%18% of the Company’s consolidated revenues in the first nine monthsquarter of fiscal 20082009 and 2007,2008, respectively)

For the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2008, revenues at the Newspapers and Information Services segment increased $621$461 million, or 55%, and $1,114 million, or 34%, as compared to the corresponding periods of fiscal 2007, primarily due to the inclusion of Dow Jones beginning December 13, 2007 and revenue growth in Australia. Revenues in the United Kingdom were also higher in the nine months ended March 31, 2008. During the three and nine months ended March 31, 2008, the weakening of the U.S. dollar resulted in increases in revenue of approximately 6% and 7%, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods of fiscal 2007. Operating income for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2008 increased $60 million, or 38%, and $55 million, or 12%, as compared to the corresponding periods of fiscal 2007, primarily due to the revenue growth noted above, as well as reduced costs related to the new printing presses in the United Kingdom. Dow Jones contributed $493 million and $575 million of revenue for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2008, respectively, and $21 million of Operating Income for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2008. During the three and nine months ended March 31, 2008, the weakening of the U.S. dollar resulted in increases of approximately 12% and 14% in Operating income, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods of fiscal 2007.

For the three and nine months ended March 31, 2008, the Australian newspapers’ revenues increased 27% and 30%, 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. Operating income for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2008 increased 23% and 28%, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periods of fiscal 2007, primarily due to the revenue increases noted above which were partially offset by an increase in employee related costs.

For the three months ended March 31, 2008, the UK newspapers’ revenues were consistent with the corresponding period of fiscal 2007. For the nine months ended March 31, 2008, the UK newspapers’ revenues increased 6%37%, as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2007,2008, primarily due to higher Internet revenues, as well as favorable foreign exchange movements. Internet revenues increased primarily due to incremental revenues from acquisitions madethe inclusion of Dow Jones, which was acquired in fiscal 2007 and higher advertising revenues.December 2007. Operating income increased $41 million, or 44%, for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2008 as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2007,2008, primarily due to lowerthe revenue increase noted above, as well as the absence of approximately $100 million in depreciation on existingand other costs related to the printing presses upgrade in the United Kingdom, which was completed in fiscal 2008. For the three months ended September 30, 2008, Dow Jones contributed approximately $500 million of revenue and printing facilities that were decommissioned during$4 million of operating losses, which includes $19 million of purchase price amortization and adjustments attributable to its acquisition. During the quarterthree months ended September 30, 2008, the weakening of the U.S. dollar against the British pound sterling and Australian dollar resulted in increases of approximately 4% in Operating income as new color printing facilities were brought on-line.compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2008.

For the three months ended September 30, 2008, the Australian newspapers’ revenues increased 4% as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2008, primarily due to favorable foreign exchange movements. Excluding the impact of foreign exchange fluctuation, revenues declined slightly from the corresponding period of fiscal 2008. The decline was driven by lower classified advertising revenues. Operating income decreased for6% in the ninethree months ended March 31,September 30, 2008 as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2007,2008, primarily due to incremental accelerated depreciationan increase in employee related costs, partially offset by favorable foreign exchange movements.

For the three months ended September 30, 2008, the UK newspapers’ revenues decreased 9% as compared to the corresponding period of $80 million, recordedfiscal 2008, primarily due to lower classified and display advertising revenues across most titles. Operating income increased for the three months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2008, primarily as a result of the absence of depreciation on the decommissioned printing presses and printing facilities that were replaced earlierpresses. The absence of these costs more than originally anticipated.offset the revenue declines noted above.

Book Publishing(4% and 5% of the Company’s consolidated revenues in the first nine monthsquarter of fiscal 20082009 and 2007,2008, respectively)

For the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2008, revenues at the Book Publishing segment increased $11decreased $15 million, or 4%, as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2007, primarily due to increased revenues from children’s titles. Notable sales performances during the three months ended March 31, 2008 includedNaughty Neighbor by Janet Evanovich,Stop Whining, Start Living by Laura Schlessinger,Lady Killerby Lisa Scottoline,Fancy Nancy, Bonjour Butterfly by Jane O’Connor andThe Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspianby C.S. Lewis, partially offset by a reduction in sales of the successful titlesMeasure of a Man by Sidney Poitier andThe Purpose Driven Lifeby Rick Warren in the corresponding period of fiscal 2007. During the three months ended March 31, 2008, HarperCollins had 54 titles onThe New York Times Bestseller List with four titles reaching the number one position. For the nine months ended March 31, 2008, revenues at Book Publishing segment decreased $14 million, or 1%5%, from the corresponding period of fiscal 2007,2008. The decrease was primarily due to lower revenue on Lemony Snicket’s Seriesthe absence of Unfortunate Eventstitles. This decrease was partially offset by higher distribution revenues earned onrelated to the release of the finalHarry Potter series book published by Scholastic and the additionsuccess of a

new distribution client duringThe Dangerous Book for Boys in the ninecorresponding period of fiscal 2008 and higher provisions for returns in the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2008. During the ninethree months ended March 31,September 30, 2008, HarperCollins had 11855 titles onThe New York Times Bestseller List with thirteenthree titles reaching the number one position.position and successful publishing performances were led byThe Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski,The Given Dayby Dennis Lehane andCooking for Friends by Gordon Ramsey.

Operating income for the three months ended March 31, 2008 was consistent with the corresponding period of fiscal 2007. Operating income for the nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2008 decreased $6$33 million, or 4%92%, as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2007,2008, primarily due to the revenue decreases and higher provisions for returns noted above.above, as well as higher employee and production costs.

Other(9% (10% and 7%9% of the Company’s consolidated revenues in the first nine monthsquarter of fiscal 20082009 and 2007,2008, respectively)

For the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2008, revenues at the Other operating segment increased $105$66 million, or 17%10%, and $643 million, or 42%, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periodsperiod of fiscal 2007,2008, 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 increases wereincrease was also driven by incrementalhigher revenues from Jamba which was acquired in January 2007, as well as higherNews Outdoor, partially offset by lower revenues from NDS.

Operating results for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2008 increased $97decreased $58 million and $149 million, respectively, as compared to the corresponding periodsperiod of fiscal 2007.2008. The revenue increases at FIM were partially offset by higher costsdecrease was primarily due to the domestic and international expansion of the business anda 56% decrease in operating income at NDS, higher programming costs, increased costs associated with the launchdevelopment of new business ventures. Also contributing to the Operating income increases was the absences of losses for the ICC Cricket World Cup included in the corresponding period of the fiscal 2007, as well as higher contributions from NDS. The improved operating results were partially offset by start up losses in conjunction with the Company’s Eastern European broadcasting initiatives.initiatives and higher costs due to increased development and technical activity at FIM. The decrease in the NDS operating income is related to lower conditional access and royalty revenues and the impact of foreign currency exchange rate movements which resulted in NDS’ operating results being $32 million lower than the corresponding period of fiscal 2008.

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 subject to market conditions, a $2.25 billion revolving credit facility and

various film co-production alternatives to supplement its cash flows. Also, as of March 31,September 30, 2008, the Company had consolidated cash and cash equivalents of approximately $3.2$5.5 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 its film and television products. Any significant decline in the advertising market or the performance of the Company’s films and television products 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; acquisitions; and stock repurchases.

Sources and uses of cash

Net cash provided by operating activities for the nine months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 was as follows (in millions):

For the nine months ended March 31,

  2008  2007

Net cash provided by operating activities

  $2,630  $2,528
        

The increase in net cash provided by operating activities reflects higher cash collections primarily from the Television, Cable Network Programming and Newspaper and Information Services segments during the nine months ended March 31, 2008 as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2007. The increase in the Television segment was due to higher receipts from the telecast of the Super Bowl, which was not telecast on FOX in fiscal 2007, and lower payments for programming. The increase at the Cable Network Programming segment reflects higher affiliate receipts, and the increase at the Newspaper and Information Services segment reflects higher receipts at the Company’s Australian newspapers. These increases were partially offset by higher tax payments, higher film production spending and additional payments made under the United Kingdom redundancy program.

Net cash used in investing activities for the nine months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 was as follows (in millions):

For the nine months ended March 31,

  2008  2007 

Net cash used in investing activities

  $(6,855) $(1,519)
         

Net cash used in investing activities during the nine months ended March 31, 2008 was higher than the corresponding period of fiscal 2007 primarily due to the Company’s acquisitions of Dow Jones in December 2007 and Photobucket in July 2007.

The Company has evaluated, and expects to continue to evaluate, possible acquisitions and dispositions of certain businesses. Such transactions may be material and may involve cash, the Company’s securities or the assumption of additional indebtedness.

Sources and uses of cash

Net cash (used in) provided by financingoperating activities for the ninethree months ended March 31,September 30, 2008 and 2007 was as follows (in millions):

 

For the nine months ended March 31,

  2008  2007

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

  $(238) $372
        

For the three months ended September 30,

  2008  2007

Net cash provided by operating activities

  $240  $803
        

DuringThe decrease in net cash provided by operating activities during the ninethree months ended March 31,September 30, 2008 as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2008 reflects lower profit and lower worldwide theatrical receipts, as well as higher net production spending at the Filmed Entertainment segment, lower advertising receipts at the Television segment and higher sports rights payments at the DBS segment.

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 was as follows (in millions):

For the three months ended September 30,

  2008  2007 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

  $701  $(325)
         

Net cash provided by investing activities during the three months ended September 30, 2008 was primarily due to the proceeds from the sale of the Stations in July 2008 and a reduction in cash used for acquisitions in the first quarter of fiscal 2009 as compared to the corresponding period of fiscal 2008.

In October 2008, the Company purchased Verisign Inc.’s minority share of the Jamba joint venture for approximately $200 million, increasing the Company’s interest to 100%.

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 was as follows (in millions):

For the three months ended September 30,

  2008  2007 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

  $19  $(53)
         

The decrease in net cash used in financing activities was primarily due to the absence of share repurchases in the first quarter of fiscal 2009 as compared to repurchases of 6 million shares for $122 million during the first quarter of fiscal 2008.

Borrowings and repayment of borrowings during the repurchase of shares and the payment of dividends. Partially offsetting this use of cash was the net proceeds of $1,237 million from the issuance of $1,250 million 6.65% Senior Notes due 2037 in November 2007. The repayments of borrowings during fiscal 2008 related to the retirement of the Company’s $350 million 6.625% Senior Notes duethree months ended September 30, 2008 and retirement of the $225 million 3.875% notes due 2008 and $131 million in commercial paper which were assumed as part of the Dow Jones acquisition.

Debt Instruments

For the nine months ended March 31,

  2008  2007 
   (in millions) 

Borrowings

   

Bank loans

  $7  $173 

Notes due March 2037

   —     1,000 

Notes due November 2037

   1,237   —   

All other

   11   8 
     ��   

Total borrowings

  $1,255  $1,181 
         

Repayments of borrowings

   

Notes due January 2008

  $(350) $—   

Notes due February 2008(1)

   (225)  —   

Bank loans

   —     (154)

All other

   (138)  (36)
         

Total repayments of borrowings

  $(713) $(190)
         

(1)

Debt acquired in the acquisition of Dow Jones. See Note 2—Acquisitions, Disposals and Other Transactions to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements of News Corporation.

Other2007 related primarily to bank loans.

In JanuaryOctober 2008, the Company retired its $350$200 million 6.625%7.375% Senior Notes due 2008.

The Company’s 7.375% Senior Notes due 2008Company declared a dividend of $0.06 per share on both its Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share and its Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share in the amountthree months ended September 30, 2008, which was paid in October 2008 to stockholders of $200 million are due within the next twelve months and are classified as current borrowings as of March 31,record on September 10, 2008.

As part of the Dow Jones acquisition, the Company assumed The total debt of $378 million which consisted of $225 million 3.875% notes dueaggregate dividend paid to stockholders in October 2008 $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 retired the $225 million 3.875% notes. As of March 31, 2008, only the $22 million variable interest note was outstanding. (See Note 2 to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements of News Corporation for further discussion of the Dow Jones acquisition.)

Stock Repurchase Program

In June 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 March 31, 2008, excluding commissions, was approximately $2 billion.$154 million.

Ratings of the Public Debt

The table below summarizes the Company’s credit ratings as of March 31,September 30, 2008.

 

Rating Agency

  Senior Debt  Outlook

Moody’s

  Baa 21  Stable

S&P

  BBB+  Stable

Revolving Credit Agreement

In May 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 Agreementcredit agreement (the “New Credit“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 ofprovides a $2.25 billion five-year unsecured revolving credit facility with a sublimitsub-limit of $600 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. Dollarsdollars or Euros. The significant terms of the New Credit Agreementagreement include among others, the requirement that the Company maintain specific leverageleveraging ratios and limitations on secured indebtedness. The Company will paypays a facility fee of 0.08% regardless of facility usage. The Company will paypays interest of a margin over LIBOR for borrowings and a letterletters of credit fee ofat LIBOR plus 0.27%. The Company is subject topays an additional feesfee 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 2012,2012; however, NAI may request that the Lenders’ commitments be renewed for up to two additional one year periods. At March 31, 2008, no amounts were outstanding under the New Credit Agreement.

Commitments

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.

As a result of the Dow Jones acquisition in December 2007, as of March 31, 2008, the Company had commitments under certain contractual arrangements to make future payments of $690 million, including $22 million of indebtedness.

The local sports broadcasting rights commitments increased approximately $1.2 billion during the nine months ended March 31, 2008. The Company’s rights increased primarily due to the launch of a new sports channel. This increase was partially offset by the transfer of the commitments of the Three RSNs to Liberty during the nine months ended March 31, 2008 as a result of the closing of the Share Exchange Agreement. (See Note 2—Acquisitions, Disposals and Other Transactions to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements of News Corporation for further discussion of the Share Exchange Agreement).

Other than as previously disclosed in the notes to the Company’s 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, 20072008 filed with the SEC on August 23, 2007.13, 2008.

Guarantees

Other than as previously disclosed in the notes to the Company’s unaudited consolidated financial statements, theThe 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, 20072008 filed with the SEC on August 23, 2007.13, 2008.

Contingencies

The minority shareholder of one of the Company’s majority-owned RSNs has a put right related to its ownership interest that is currently exercisable and is outside of the control of the Company. The Company believes that if the shareholder exercises its put right, it will not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition, future results of operations or liquidity.

The Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, News Outdoor owns and operates outdoor advertising companies and also owns approximately 73% of MSS, an outdoor advertising company in Russia. In additioncertain limited circumstances, the minority stockholders of MSS have the right to sell, and News Outdoor has the contingenciesright to purchase, the minority interests at fair market value. The Company believes that the exercise of these sale rights, if any, will not have a material effect on its consolidated financial condition, future results of operations or liquidity.

Other than as disclosed in the notes to the accompanying 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

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. ItThe Company 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 United States, Europe and Australiathree 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 March 31,September 30, 2008, the Company’s outstanding financial instruments with foreign currency exchange rate risk exposure had an aggregate fair value of $177$369 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 $17$45.3 million at March 31,September 30, 2008.

Interest Rates

The Company’s current financing arrangements and facilities include $13.5 billion of outstanding debt with fixed interest and the 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 March 31,September 30, 2008, 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 value of $14.0$12.6 billion. The potential change in fair market 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 $730$780 million at March 31,September 30, 2008.

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 $9.8$6.5 billion as of March 31,September 30, 2008. A hypothetical decrease in the market price of these investments of 10% would result in a fair value of approximately $8.8$5.8 billion. Such a hypothetical decrease would result in a before tax decrease in comprehensive income of approximately $60$11 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 March 31,September 30, 2008, the fair value of this conversion feature was $158 millionnil 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 $63 million.

PART I

 

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 thirdfirst quarter of fiscal 20082009 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

See Note 12—11—Contingencies to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements of News Corporation,unaudited consolidated financial statements, which is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 1A.    RISK FACTORS

ITEM 1A.    RISKFACTORS

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.

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 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.

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 its effect on consumer spending 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 Company Could Suffer Losses Due to Asset Impairment Charges for Goodwill, Intangible Assets (including FCC Licenses) and Programming

In accordance with applicable GAAP, the Company performs an annual impairment assessment of its recorded goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, including FCC licenses, during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year. The Company also continually evaluates whether current factors or indicators, such as the prevailing conditions in the capital markets, require the performance of an interim impairment assessment of those assets, as well as of investments and long-lived assets. In addition, management believes that recent trends in advertising revenues have negatively affected investors’ outlooks on the Company’s market value as reflected in its stock price. A sustained decline in the value of the Company’s stock price may be considered an indicator of impairment and could require the Company to perform an impairment analysis in advance of its annual impairment testing. In addition, any significant shortfall, now or in the future, in advertising revenue and/or the expected popularity of the programming for which the Company has acquired rights could lead to a downward revision in the fair value of certain reporting units, particularly the Newspapers and Information Services and the Television reporting units. A downward revision in the fair value of a reporting unit, indefinite-lived intangible assets, investments or long-lived assets could result in an impairment and a non-cash charge would be required. Any such charge could be material to the Company’s reported net earnings.

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.

The Company is dependent upon the maintenance of affiliation agreements with third-partythird 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. 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 businesses, 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.

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.

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 0.9% of the Company’s Class A Common Stock and 37.2% of its 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 1.3% of the Company’s Class A Common Stock and 1.3% of its Class B Common Stock. Thus, Mr. K. Rupert Murdoch may be deemed to beneficially own in the aggregate 2.2% of the Company’s Class A Common Stock and 38.6% of the Company’s Class B Common Stock. Further, if the Company completes its previously announced stock repurchase program, the aggregate voting power represented by the shares of the Company’s Class B Common Stock held by Mr. K. Rupert Murdoch and the Murdoch Family Trust would increase to approximately 40.2 % of the Company’s aggregate voting power.

On April 15, 2008, as a result of the closing of the transactions contemplated under the Share Exchange Agreement, dated December 22, 2007, by and between the Company and Liberty Media Corporation, the Board approved the elimination of the Company’s classified board structure beginning at the Company’s annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2008, subject to stockholder approval at that meeting by the Company’s Class B common stockholders of an amendment to the Company’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation to allow for the annual election of directors.

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 share repurchase program to $6 billion. The Company did not make any share repurchases under the share repurchase program in the three months ended March 31, 2008. The remaining authorized amount under the share repurchase program, excluding commission, at March 31, 2008, was approximately $2 billion.

In connection with the closing of the Share Exchange Agreement, Liberty exchanged 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) for certain assets of the Company during the three months ended March 31, 2008 (See Note 2—Acquisitions, Disposals and Other Transactions.). The acquisition of these shares of common stock from Liberty in connection with the Exchange was not a part of the share repurchase program and does not impact the dollar value of the shares of common stock that may be purchased under the share repurchase program.Not applicable.

 

ITEM 3.DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

Not applicable.

 

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

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 5.OTHER INFORMATION

Not applicable.

ITEM 6.EXHIBITS

 

 (a)Exhibits.

 

  3.1Certificate of Elimination of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report of News Corporation on Form 8-K (File No. 001-32352) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 15, 2008.)
  4.1Amendment No. 2 to Amended and Restated Rights Agreement, dated as of August 4, 2006, as amended on January 3, 2007, by and between the Company and Computershare Investor Services, LLC, as Rights Agent. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report of News Corporation on Form 8-K (File No. 001-32352) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 15, 2008.)
10.1Summary of Key Terms of the Compensation Arrangement for James R. Murdoch.*
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 herewithherewith.

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/    DAVID F. DEVOE    

 

David F. DeVoe

Senior Executive Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer

Date: May 7,November 5, 2008

 

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