A union representing Journal reporters and other Dow Jones employees has objected to Murdoch's bid, saying he would downgrade the quality of the paper's coverage and tilt its stories to suit his business interests. Former board member James Ottaway Jr also opposed ownership by Murdoch.
Murdoch countered with a promise not to interfere with the paper's newsroom and has agreed to set up a five-member board, whose initial members would be jointly chosen by both News Corp and Dow Jones, with the power to approve the hiring or fire senior editorial officials.



