How often do we ever get to see Rupert Murdoch’s media empire independently being held to account?  

Later in January, one of these rare moments will arrive – as Prince Harry and Tom Watson’s case against The Sun newspaper’s publisher finally makes it to trial over allegations of illegality, corruption, and cover-up.

Across an expected eight weeks, the revelations which emerge from the courtroom are set to be explosive – especially as the trial will be taking place against the backdrop of calls by former Prime Minister Gordon Brown for a renewed police investigation into Murdoch’s News UK, and as the Labour Government continues to reflect on how to take forward the post-Leveson press reform agenda.

With Murdoch’s own titles highly unlikely to provide a full picture of what unfolds in the courtroom – and with the rest of the established press also reluctant to put their heads above the parapet when it comes to scrutinising their own industry – independent media outlet Byline Times and Hacked Off are teaming up to ensure that the Murdoch empire’s misdemeanours are recorded and reported to the world in full.

We need incisive, independent, and accurate reporting on this trial to understand and expose exactly what Murdoch’s publisher has been up to. And with our expertise in media corruption investigation, Byline Times and Hacked Off are the only organisations that can offer you unique insights.

But we need your help to make it happen.

Your support will enable us to fund reporters to cover the trial day to day, reporting back on all the key developments as they arise, and providing all of the significant updates with context and clarity.

Please consider making a donation to fund this important work today.

Support this Crowdfunder on Byline Times' website here.

Any funds raised in excess of the project’s costs will be split between Byline Times and Hacked Off. In the event that the trial does not go ahead for any reason, funds raised will be split between Byline Times and Hacked Off and used, respectively, to continue scrutinising the behaviour of Murdoch’s publisher and campaigning for News UK to be properly investigated through Leveson Part Two.

*NB – Personal data such as names and email addresses submitted whilst pledges donations to this crowdfunding campaign will be shared with both Byline Times and Hacked Off

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