The News of the World

OK, I have to comment on this story as many others are currently doing. As far as I'm concerned, The News of the World is where it belongs - in the gutter and washing down a drain. It is appalling that newspaper investigative practices have infringed on the privacy of so many people. I cannot understand the claims that no one running the paper knew nothing of the illegal practices and a full inquiry - private and impartial - is urgently needed.
I do agree sadly with the suggestion that the paper will simply be re-branded and that this is just a stunt by Rupert Murdoch. It's important that any boycott is carried forward to any re-born publications.
I have enormous sympathy for all those affected so far and all those wondering if their phone messages were hacked. A lot is unknown currently and the investigation will no doubt unearth more wrong-doing and malpractice. If anything good comes out of this, there should be strict regulation on how newspapers operate. The BSkyB deal currently pending should be scrapped at least until the investigation is completed. There needs to be accountability for the illegal practices uncovered so far - not just a slap on the wrist. There needs to be a realisation that this country can do without Rupert Murdoch. The government should not be in a position whereby it is scared of Rupert Murdoch and his media empire. We managed before, we can manage now.

P.S. The Internet domains for the 'sundaysun' and the 'sunonsunday' were registered two days ago by 'persons unknown'...