Murdoch phone-hacking grilling

News Corporation owner Rupert Murdoch and many of the other central figures in the phone-hacking scandal are to face MPs today in one of the most talked about parliamentary events in memory.

The 80-year-old's media empire has been thrown into turmoil by events over recent weeks and the phone-hacking story has developed at blistering pace.

Rebekah Brooks, who resigned as News International chief executive last week, is to face MPs from the culture, media and sport committee.

James Murdoch will also be present and is likely to face considerable pressure over whether he knew about phone-hacking in his role as News Corporation's chief executive with responsibility for Europe and Asia.

The committee hearing is likely to be a defining moment in the future of the Murdoch dynasty and their substantial influence on the world's media.

Tom Watson: Parliament will hold Murdochs to account

Brooks solicitor: Parliament must decide what to put to Rebekah