News Corp. nabs Skiff, Journalism Online

NEW YORK -- News Corp. unveiled two digital media deals on Monday as it continues to push for business models that allow it to make money of its news content on digital platforms.

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The company said it has acquired Skiff LLC, Hearst Corporation's e-reading platform that allows delivery of premium journalism to tablets, smartphones, e-readers and netbooks. The conglomerate also unveiled an investment in Journalism Online LLC, a venture dedicated to enabling news providers to collect revenue from their online readership. Its founders include Steven Brill and Gordon Crovitz.

News Corp. didn't disclose the financial terms of the two transactions.

"Today's developments underscore News Corporation's ongoing commitment to create strong business models that support journalism at a time of great change in our industry," said chief digital officer Jon Miller. "Both Skiff and Journalism Online serve as key building blocks in our strategy to transform the publishing industry and ensure consumers will have continued access to the highest quality journalism."

Miller on Monday also named Jon Housman president of News Corp.'s digital journalism initiatives. In the newly created role, Housman, who has advised News Corp. on strategic initiatives, reports to Miller.

Housman previously served as managing director and board member of the Wall Street Journal Europe SPRL, a Dow Jones European subsidiary. He also led a division formed by Dow Jones to build and grow the company's global online and classifieds business.