UK lawmakers: Rupert Murdoch unfit to lead company

Murdoch closed down the 168-year-old Sunday tabloid last July amid public revulsion at the hacking of voice mail messages of celebrities and victims of crime, including murdered schoolgirl Milly Dowler.

At least 25 past and present employees of News International have been arrested by police investigating phone hacking, bribery and computer hacking. Murdoch has paid out millions to settle lawsuits from about 60 celebrities, sports stars, politicians and other public figures whose voice mails were hacked. Dozens more lawsuits have been filed.

Throughout the scandal, News International's approach "was to cover up rather than seek out wrongdoing," the legislators wrote.

News Corp. said it was "carefully reviewing the Select Committee's report and will respond shortly."

"The company fully acknowledges significant wrongdoing at News of the World and apologizes to everyone whose privacy was invaded," it said in a statement.

Associated Press Writer Jill Lawless contributed to this report.