U.K. phone hacking scandal: Key players

A combination of pictures shows on July 18, 2011, News Corporation Chief Rupert Murdoch, (L) his son James, (C) who is the current Chairman of News International, and former News International Chief Executive Rebekah Brooks (R).

/ AFP/Getty Images

In the summer of 2011, allegations of illegal phone hacking perpetrated by several British media organizations spawned a torrent of criticism and anger from the public. Official investigations and multiple arrests followed. Journalists' relationships with politicians and police were examined. And ultimately, the very nature of the press and how far it should be allowed to go in pursuit of news became subject for debate.

As the Leveson inquiry into British media ethics releases its report on unscrupulous practices and puts forward recommendations for an independent regulatory body to oversee the press, here is a look at some of the key players in the investigation and the scandal that started it all.

: linkicon reporticon emailicon
rememberwhatbushdid says:: Hey America...Hey Fox "News" viewers, this is the selfish, lying, dangerous owner of Fox "News". If you love democracy and love America you'll stop watching immediately, stop reading his "newspapers", and drum him right out of business in our country. Don't be ignorant puppets of this total jerk. He has done so much already to heighten bigotry and hatred and obstructionism in America.; reply