Lachlan Murdoch takes charge at Ten Network

Lachlan Murdoch has been appointed the interim chief executive of Australian commercial broadcaster Ten Network, after incumbent Grant Blackley was ousted following a drop in earnings in the first half of the financial year. Murdoch, the eldest son of Rupert Murdoch, is to launch an immediate strategic review of the company and will remain in place until a new chief executive can be found. Blackley, who has been with the company for about 20 years, was only promoted to the top role in December. The "immediate termination" of Blackley's contract comes as the company reported earnings of A$92m (£57m) at its TV division in the six months to 28 February, a significant 15.5% fall from the A$109m reported in the same period the year before. The earnings fall contrasts with a double-digit increase in the TV ad market in Australia. Murdoch already held a seat on the board alongside billionaire James Packer after the pair snapped up a stake in the company last year. Reports in Australia have indicated that the review will look at Ten's news services and that digital sports channel One would come under scutiny . The company moved to defuse accusations that Packer and Murdoch had effectively taken over, pointing out that the appointment was at the "unanimous request" of the board. "The board continues to be responsible for all decisions regarding the strategic direction of the company, and has decided to conduct an immediate strategic review of the company's operations," said Brian Long, chairman of Ten Network Holdings. • To contact the MediaGuardian news desk email [email protected] or phone 020 3353 3857. For all other inquiries please call the main Guardian switchboard on 020 3353 2000. • If you are writing a comment for publication, please mark clearly "for publication".