Why James Murdoch Is Heir Apparent at News Corp.

4:00 AM PDT 4/1/2011 by Georg Szalai

Described as sharp, competitive, decisive -- and unafraid to ruffle feathers -- the newly promoted exec "has the ambition and drive to run the whole thing whenever that time comes," one expert says.

NEW YORK -- James Murdoch, the 38-year-old son of News Corp. chairman and CEO Rupert Murdoch, cemented his position as his father's eventual heir to run the entertainment conglomerate when he was elevated this week to the No. 3 position in the company's executive ranks.