Briefly

UNITED STATES

Murdoch to retire from media empire

Rupert Murdoch is stepping down as the chairman of Fox and News Corp after a seven-decade career of building one of the world's most influential media empire. Murdoch, 92, will become chairman emeritus at both companies, effective at board meetings in November, Fox said on Thursday. His eldest son, Lachlan Murdoch, who has served as co-chair of News Corp, will become sole chair of that company and continue as chief executive officer of Fox. Murdoch's departure could provide an opportunity to mend the relationship between former US president Donald Trump and Fox News as the 2024 election campaign heats up, Reuters reported, citing Republican strategists.

ITALY

Germany urges fair migrant distribution

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier visited Sicily on Wednesday, calling for a fair distribution of migrants who arrive in Europe after a rise in boat arrivals in southern Italy. Steinmeier, who is being accompanied by Italian President Sergio Mattarella during the visit, said both Germany and Italy were "at their limits". "We need a fair distribution in Europe and stronger controls and surveillance at our external borders," he told Italy's Corriere della Sera daily in an interview ahead of his trip.

Xinhua - Agencies