News Corporation Reports Second Quarter Operating Income of $954 Milli

News Corporation Reports Second Quarter Operating Income of $954 Million: Growth of 24% over Second Quarter a Year Ago; Revenues Increase 18% to $6.6 Billion; Net Income Increases 80% to $386 Million

    Business Editors

    NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 2, 2005--News Corporation (NYSE: NWS, NWSA; ASX: NWS, NWSLV):

--	EARNINGS RELEASE FOR THE QUARTER ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004 IN U.S. DOLLARS IN ACCORDANCE WITH UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES
--	QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS
--	Filmed Entertainment operating income up 57% on record home entertainment sales of film and television titles.
--	Strong advertising revenue growth at the Fox News and FX channels and higher affiliate revenue at the Regional Sports Networks drives Cable Network Programming operating income up 46%.
--	Television segment operating income down slightly as STAR's growing profitability was offset by the impact of ratings weakness at the FOX network which also affected television stations' results.
--	SKY Italia operating losses decline slightly, in local currency terms, on rapidly growing subscriber base that now exceeds 3.1 million.
--	All print segments report higher earnings contributions led by revenue gains at Magazines and Inserts' InStore division and advertising growth at Australian newspapers.
--	Completed reincorporation to the United States; consequently results now reported in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles.

    News Corporation (NYSE: NWS, NWSA; ASX: NWS, NWSLV) today reported second quarter consolidated revenues of $6.6 billion, an 18% increase over the $5.6 billion in the prior year, and consolidated operating income of $954 million, up 24% over the $770 million a year ago. The year-on-year growth was driven by double-digit increases at the Filmed Entertainment, Cable Network Programming and Magazine and Inserts segments, despite the inclusion of $36 million in costs associated with the reincorporation.
    Net income for the second quarter was $386 million, ($0.13 diluted earnings per share on a combined basis1), an increase of $171 million over the $215 million ($0.08 diluted earnings per share on a combined basis1) reported in the second quarter a year ago. This strong result is primarily due to higher consolidated operating income and a significant improvement in equity earnings of affiliates, while also reflecting the inclusion of an unrealized loss on the change in fair value of certain outstanding exchangeable debt securities included in Other expense.

    (1) See supplemental financial data on page 16 for detail on earnings per share.

    Commenting on the results, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Rupert Murdoch said:
    "While our country of incorporation changed in the second quarter, the growth we continue to deliver remains the same. Operating income was up 24% on revenue gains of 18%, led by record results at our filmed entertainment and cable network programming segments. Film thrived this past quarter as our summer theatrical successes generated even greater returns in home entertainment. At the same time, our diverse set of cable channels turned higher ratings and more desirable demographics into increased revenues and continued profit growth. The ongoing financial strength of these assets speaks not only to the quality of the content that we deliver but also to our ability to translate increased consumer demand into higher profits. While film and cable were the most significant contributors to our growth this past quarter, we also delivered record results at STAR and converted strong readership into higher contributions across our various print segments.
    "Our financial success this past quarter was matched by our strategic momentum with continued expansion of our global pay television platforms. SKY Italia passed the 3.1 million subscriber mark at quarter-end and BSkyB and DIRECTV added 192,000 and 444,000 net new subscribers, respectively, this past quarter, further positioning these assets for sustained growth in the years to come."

Consolidated Operating Income 3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended December 31, December 31, 2004 2003 2004 2003 ------ ------ ------- ------- US $ Millions

Filmed Entertainment $ 407 $ 260 $ 698 $ 592 Television 153 159 387 339 Cable Network Programming 227 155 393 257 Direct Broadcast Satellite Television (105) (104) (226) (227) Magazines & Inserts 73 63 137 121 Newspapers 184 170 302 272 Book Publishing 62 57 122 116 Other (47)(a) 10 (93)(a) (28) ------ ------ ------- ------- Total Consolidated Operating Income $ 954 $ 770 $1,720 $1,442 ------ ------ ------- -------

    (a) The three months and six months ended December 31, 2004 include $36 million and $49 million, respectively, of costs associated with the reincorporation.

    REVIEW OF OPERATING RESULTS

    FILMED ENTERTAINMENT

    The Filmed Entertainment segment reported record second quarter operating income of $407 million, up 57% versus the $260 million reported in the same period a year ago. Current-year results primarily reflect strong contributions from several film and television home entertainment releases as well as increased contributions from the worldwide pay-TV market.
    Second quarter film results were largely driven by our highest ever quarter of worldwide home entertainment revenue led by successful theatrical releases Day After Tomorrow, Garfield, Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story and I, Robot as well as increased contributions from various catalog titles led by The Star Wars Trilogy. Additionally, the pay-TV availability of Cheaper By the Dozen and Master and Commander also contributed to the strong quarterly results. The second quarter a year ago included the worldwide home entertainment performances of X-2: X-Men United and 28 Days Later. Theatrical releases this quarter included Sideways, nominated for 5 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and winner of Golden Globe Best Picture - Comedy, as well as Kinsey, Taxi, Flight of the Phoenix and Fat Albert.
    Twentieth Century Fox Television (TCFTV) increased contributions versus the second quarter a year ago primarily reflect continued momentum in home entertainment sales, most notably from The Simpsons, Family Guy and 24. Several TCFTV shows garnered Golden Globe nominations during the quarter including Best Television Series - Musical or Comedy for Arrested Development and Best Television Series - Drama for 24.

    TELEVISION

    The Television segment reported second quarter operating income of $153 million, a decrease of $6 million versus the same period a year ago, primarily reflecting higher contributions from STAR more than offset by a decline at the FOX Broadcasting Company.
    Fox Television Stations (FTS) second quarter operating income increased slightly over prior year as increased political advertising was largely offset by softness in the overall advertising market and weaker FOX primetime ratings. Current-year results also included lower entertainment programming costs, primarily due to the expiration of various syndicated programs, partially offset by higher promotional costs for the November sweeps and expansion of local news in several FTS markets.
    At the FOX Broadcasting Company, second quarter operating losses increased by $26 million compared to a year ago as improved sports advertising and higher pricing for the primetime entertainment schedule were more than offset by a 12% decline in primetime ratings and increased programming costs for returning series as well as the cancellation of several new programs. Following the end of the quarter, the network significantly strengthened its schedule with the return of American Idol and 24, both of which premiered to higher ratings than a year ago and are winning their time slots among key demographics.
    STAR's second quarter operating income more than doubled, with higher revenues driven by advertising gains, mainly in India, where STAR Plus maintains its leadership position as India's top cable entertainment channel. The quarter also included subscription revenue growth primarily due to the launch of STAR Chinese Movies.

    CABLE NETWORK PROGRAMMING

    Cable Network Programming reported second quarter operating income of $227 million, an increase of $72 million over last year's result. The 46% growth was achieved despite the inclusion a year ago of $15 million in recovered Adelphia receivables and reflects continued strength across all of the Company's primary cable channels, a positive impact from the NHL lockout and the absence of losses from the Los Angeles Dodgers which was sold during fiscal 2004.
    The Fox News Channel (FNC) reported operating income growth of 45% compared to the second quarter a year ago fueled by double-digit advertising revenue growth partially offset by higher costs associated with covering the elections in the United States. Viewership during the quarter was up 61% in primetime and 34% on a 24-hour basis as FNC had more total viewers than CNN, MSNBC, Headline News and CNBC combined for the second consecutive quarter.
    At our other cable channels (including the Regional Sports Networks (RSNs), the FX Channel (FX) and SPEED Channel) operating profit improved 35% during the quarter driven by double-digit revenue growth at FX and the positive impact of the NHL lockout at the RSNs. The revenue gains at FX were driven primarily by higher advertising from ratings growth and an increase in pricing, as well as higher affiliate revenues from increased rates and additional subscribers.

    DIRECT BROADCAST SATELLITE TELEVISION

    SKY Italia reported a second quarter operating loss of $105 million versus $104 million a year ago. In local currency terms, losses were reduced 7% versus the prior year on revenue growth of 27%, primarily reflecting strong subscriber additions over the past year. More than 270,000 net new subscribers were added during the second quarter alone resulting in SKY Italia's subscriber base exceeding 3.1 million at quarter end. The revenue growth was mostly offset by increased programming spending during the quarter primarily due to the airing of additional soccer matches and the addition of ten new entertainment and news channels on the basic programming tier as well as higher subscriber acquisition costs. Also during the quarter, the Company incurred costs associated with the one-time swap-out of set-top boxes that were using outdated encryption software.

    MAGAZINES AND INSERTS

    The Magazines and Inserts segment reported second quarter operating income of $73 million, an increase of 16% versus a year ago. The improvement was primarily driven by higher contributions from the InStore division on higher advertising revenues. Free Standing Inserts results were slightly ahead of a year ago as increased demand for packaged goods pages was mostly offset by lower rates.

    NEWSPAPERS

    The Newspaper segment reported second quarter operating income of $184 million, an 8% increase versus the same period a year ago primarily reflecting advertising revenue growth in Australia.
    The Australian newspaper group reported a 34% increase in operating income in local currency terms, primarily driven by a double digit increase in advertising revenue compared to a year ago and the inclusion of results from Queensland Press Pty Limited, which was consolidated beginning November 12, 2004. Display advertising gains were driven by the retail sector as well as national strength with increases in the communications, consumer finance and airline travel categories. Additionally, classified advertising continued to expand with further growth in the employment and real estate categories.
    The U.K. newspaper group reported an operating income decline of 24% in local currency terms as advertising revenue gains were more than offset by increased depreciation and related costs associated with the development of our new printing operations. Advertising revenue growth was achieved across nearly all titles, with particular growth at The Sun as a result of higher volumes in color display and classifieds. Also during the quarter, circulation revenue was consistent with a year ago as increased circulation revenues from moving fully to a compact version of The Times were offset by a circulation declines at The Sun.

    BOOK PUBLISHING

    HarperCollins reported operating income of $62 million during the quarter, an increase of $5 million, or 9%, compared to the same period a year ago. Current quarter results included strong sales of titles in Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events spurred by the motion picture release, strong sales of Michael Crichton's State of Fear and the continued success of Zondervan's The Purpose Driven Life. During the quarter, HarperCollins had 36 titles on The New York Times bestseller lists including 6 titles that reached the #1 spot.

    OTHER ITEMS

    During the quarter the Company acquired Telecom Italia S.p.A.'s 19.9% stake in SKY Italia for EUR 88 million bringing News Corporation's ownership of SKY Italia to 100%.
    Also during the quarter, the Company's 34 percent investee, The DIRECTV Group, Inc., announced a series of transactions with the Company, Grupo Televisa, Globopar and Liberty Media International, Inc. that will result in the reorganization of the companies' direct-to-home satellite TV platforms in Latin America. The transactions will result in DIRECTV Latin America and Sky Latin America consolidating the DTH platforms into a single platform in each of the major territories served in the region. As part of these transactions, DIRECTV will acquire News Corporation's interests in Sky Brasil and Innova and the Company has recorded a pre-tax loss during the quarter of $55 million on the closing of the sale of Sky Multi-Country Partners. Upon completion of the reorganization of the other platforms, which is subject to the necessary governmental approvals, the Company will record a gain.
    On November 12, 2004 the Company, following the prior approval of the Company's shareholders, option holders and the Federal Court of Australia, changed its place of incorporation to the United States and in a related transaction, acquired from the Murdoch Interests the 58% controlling interest in Queensland Press Pty Limited that the Company did not already own.
    Following the quarter, the Company made an offer to acquire the 17.9% interest in Fox Entertainment Group, Inc. (Fox) that the Company does not currently own by making an exchange offer directly to Fox shareholders. Under the terms of the offer, holders of Fox Class A Common Stock will receive 1.90 shares of the Company's Class A Shares. The transaction is conditioned upon, among other things, the tender of a majority of Fox Class A common stock not owned by the Company.
    A dividend of $0.05 per Class A Share and a dividend of $0.02 per Class B share has been declared and is payable on April 20, 2005. The record date for determining dividend entitlements is March 16, 2005.

    REVIEW OF ASSOCIATED ENTITIES RESULTS

    Second quarter net earnings from associated entities were $48 million versus losses of $31 million in the same period a year ago. The improvement was primarily due to increased contributions from Regional Programming Partners and BSkyB, as well as a comparatively favorable impact from foreign currency fluctuations at the Latin America DTH platforms, partially offset by recognition of losses at The DIRECTV Group.
    The Company's share of associated entities' earnings (losses) is as follows:

3 Months 6 Months Ended Ended December 31, December 31, % Owned 2004 2003 2004 2003 ------- ----- ----- ------ ----- US $ US $ Millions Millions BSkyB 35.8%(a)$ 64 $ 56 $ 142 $109 The DIRECTV Group 34.0%(b) (77) - (177) - Sky Brasil 49.7%(c) 12 (6) 25 (14) FOXTEL 25.0% (7) (4) (14) (7) Other Associates Various(d) 56 (77) 87 (71) ----- ----- ------ ----- Total associated entities' earnings (losses) $ 48 $(31) $ 63 $ 17 ===== ===== ====== =====

    Further details on the associated entities follow.

    (a) Due to BSkyB's repurchase of its company shares, News' ownership in BSkyB increased to 35.8% from 35.4% in the previous quarter.
    (b) The Company acquired a 34% interest in The DIRECTV Group on December 22, 2003.
    (c) Represents the Company's economic interest. The Company continues to hold a 36% equity interest in Sky Brasil.
    (d) Primarily comprising Gemstar-TV Guide International, Innova, Fox Cable Networks Associates, Independent Newspapers Limited, and Queensland Press (through November 12, 2004).

BSkyB (in STG and UK GAAP) (1) ------------------------------ 3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended December 31, December 31, 2004 2003 2004 2003 --------- ------- ----------- ----------- Millions (except Millions (except subscribers) subscribers)

Revenues GBP1,005 GBP916 GBP1,945 GBP1,766 Operating profit 136 103 297 225 Net income GBP 61 GBP 40 GBP 154 GBP 130 ========= ======= =========== ===========

News' reportable 35.8% share (in US$ and US GAAP) $ 64 $ 56 $ 142 $ 109 ========= ======= =========== ===========

Net debt GBP 369 GBP 759

Ending Subscribers 11,485,000 11,070,000 DTH Subscribers 7,609,000 7,208,000

The DIRECTV Group, Inc. (1) 3 Months 6 Months --------------------------- Ended Ended December 31, December 31, 2004 2004 ------------- ------------- Millions Millions (except (except subscribers) subscribers)

Revenues $3,362 $ 6,224 Operating loss (437) (1,987) Net loss $ (283) $ (1,292) ============= =============

News' reportable 34.0% share $ (77) $ (177) ============= =============

Net cash $ 401

Ending Subscribers 13,940,000

Sky Brasil (in US$) (1) ----------------------- 3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended December 31, December 31, 2004 2003 2004 2003 ------ ------ ---------- -------- Millions Millions (except (except subscribers) subscribers)

Revenues (in local currency) R$192 R$158 R$386 R$320

Revenues $ 69 $ 55 $ 134 $110 Operating income (loss) 2 (3) 8 - Net income (loss) $ 23 $(11) $ 49 $(28) ====== ====== ========== ========

News' reportable 49.7% share (in US$) $ 12 $ (6) $ 25 $(14) ====== ====== ========== ========

Net debt (excluding capitalized leases) $ 218 $216

Ending Subscribers 858,000 784,000

    Sky Brasil's revenues grew 22% in local currency terms in the quarter compared to prior year primarily driven by a higher subscriber base and increased average revenue per subscriber. The revenue growth for the quarter was partly offset by increased programming costs due to the growth in the subscriber base. The increase in net income principally reflects the favorable impact of foreign currency fluctuations due to the strengthening of the Brazilian Real on U.S. Dollar denominated liabilities during the quarter.

FOXTEL (in A$ and Australian GAAP) --------------------------------- December 31, December 31, 2004 2003 2004 2003 ------ ------ ------------ ---------- Millions Millions (except (except subscribers) subscribers)

Revenues A$257 A$213* A$489 A$419* Operating loss (51) (31) (100) (58) Net loss A$(40) A$(22) A$(79) A$(40) ====== ====== ============ ==========

News' reportable 25% share (in US$ and US GAAP) $ (7) $ (4) $ (14) $ (7) ====== ====== ============ ==========

Net Debt (including capitalized leases) A$464 A$42

Ending Subscribers (including wholesale) 1,157,000 1,073,000 Ending Subscribers (excluding wholesale) 985,000 861,000

    * Amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current fiscal year presentation.

    FOXTEL's revenues increased 21% in local currency terms in the quarter compared to prior year, principally due to a 14% increase in ending subscribers (excluding wholesale) and higher average revenue per subscriber. Net loss increased by A$18 million against the prior year as the increased subscriber revenues were more than offset by increased transmission costs as well as higher sales and marketing expenses following the launch of the new digital service on March 14, 2004, and higher depreciation and interest expenses. As of December 31st, approximately 57% of the FOXTEL subscribers base (excluding wholesale) was connected to the new digital service with 184,000 new and upgrade orders taken during the quarter.

    1 Please refer to respective companies' earnings releases for detailed information.

    Foreign Exchange Rates

    Average foreign exchange rates used in the year-to-date profit results are as follows:

6 Months Ended December 31, 2004 2003 ------ ------

Australian Dollar/U.S. Dollar 0.73 0.68 U.K. Pounds Sterling/U.S. Dollar 1.84 1.66 Euro/U.S. Dollar 1.25 1.16

    To receive a copy of this press release through the Internet, access News Corp's corporate Web site located at http://www.newscorp.com
    Audio from News Corp's conference call with analysts on the second quarter results can be heard live on the Internet at 9:00 AM. Eastern Standard Time today. To listen to the call, visit http://www.newscorp.com

    WHERE TO FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

    In connection with the offer by Fox Acquisition Corp (a wholly owned subsidiary of News Corporation) of shares of News Corporation Class A common stock in exchange for shares of Fox Class A common stock (the "Exchange Offer"), News Corporation has filed with the SEC a Registration Statement on Form S-4 containing a prospectus relating to the Exchange Offer and a Schedule TO. FOX STOCKHOLDERS AND OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES ARE URGED TO READ THESE DOCUMENTS (AND ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THESE DOCUMENTS WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE) BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT NEWS CORPORATION, FOX, FOX ACQUISITION CORP AND THE EXCHANGE OFFER. Materials filed with the SEC will be available electronically without charge at the SEC's website, www.sec.gov. Documents filed with the SEC may be obtained without charge at News Corporation's website, www.newscorp.com, or by directing a request to News Corporation's investor relations department at News Corporation, Investor Relations, 1211 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036.
    In addition, Fox stockholders may obtain free copies of the documents filed with the SEC by directing a written or oral request to the information agent for the Exchange Offer, Georgeson Shareholder Communications, Inc., collect at (212) 440-9800 or toll-free at (866) 873-6991.
    This communication shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offering of securities shall be made except by means of an appropriate prospectus.

    Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

    This document contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on management's views and assumptions regarding future events and business performance as of the time the statements are made. Actual results may differ materially from these expectations due to changes in global economic, business, competitive market and regulatory factors. More detailed information about these and other factors that could affect future results is contained in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The "forward-looking statements" included in this document are made only as of the date of this document and we do not have any obligation to publicly update any "forward-looking statements" to reflect subsequent events or circumstances, except as required by law.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS 3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended December 31, December 31, 2004 2003 2004 2003 ------- ------- -------- -------- US Millions (except per share amounts)

Revenues $6,562 $5,553 $11,708 $10,168 Expenses: Operating expenses 4,485 3,867 7,865 6,884 Selling, general, and administrative 938 771 1,797 1,563 Depreciation and amortization 149 145 277 279 Other operating charge 36 - 49 - ------ ------ ------- ------- Operating income 954 770 1,720 1,442 Other income (expense): Interest expense, net (137) (131) (262) (264) Equity earnings (losses) of affiliates 48 (31) 63 17 Other, net (114) (186) 77 20 ------ ------ ------- ------- Income before income tax expense and minority interest in subsidiaries 751 422 1,598 1,215 Income tax expense (276) (161) (456) (443) Minority interest in subsidiaries, net of tax (89) (46) (131) (102) ------- ------ -------- ------- Net income $ 386 $ 215 $ 1,011 $ 670 ======= ====== ======== =======

Basic earnings per share: Class A $0.14 $0.08 $0.37 $0.27 Class B $0.12 $0.07 $0.31 $0.22

Diluted earnings per share: Class A $0.14 $0.08 $0.36 $0.27 Class B $0.11 $0.07 $0.30 $0.22

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS December 31, June 30, 2004 2004 -------- -------- Assets US Millions Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 5,195 $ 4,051 Cash on deposit - 287 Receivables, net 5,504 4,214 Inventories, net 1,913 1,530 Deferred income taxes 540 521 Other 421 396 -------- -------- Total current assets 13,573 10,999 -------- --------

Non-current assets: Receivables 743 766 Investments 10,940 10,914 Inventories, net 2,561 2,669 Property, plant, and equipment, net 4,481 3,796 Intangible assets 11,374 10,998 Goodwill 8,239 7,153 Other non-current assets 994 1,048 -------- -------- Total non-current assets 39,332 37,344 -------- -------- Total assets $52,905 $48,343 ======== ========

Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity Current liabilities: Borrowings $ 319 $ 1,084 Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities 4,410 3,963 Participations, residuals and royalties payable 1,256 890 Program rights payable 728 654 Deferred revenue 620 467 -------- -------- Total current liabilities 7,333 7,058 -------- --------

Non-current liabilities: Borrowings 10,860 9,080 Other liabilities 3,959 3,878 Deferred income taxes 4,042 3,620 Minority interest in subsidiaries 3,559 3,832 Commitments and contingencies Shareholders' Equity: Class A common stock, $0.01 par value 19 19 Class B common stock, $0.01 par value 10 11 Additional paid-in capital 24,340 23,636 Accumulated deficit and accumulated other comprehensive loss (1,217) (2,791) -------- -------- Total shareholders' equity 23,152 20,875 -------- -------- Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $52,905 $48,343 ======== ========

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 6 Months Ended December 31, 2004 2003 -------- -------- US Millions Operating activities: Net income $ 1,011 $ 670 Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 277 279 Amortization of cable distribution investments 58 63 Equity earnings of affiliates, net (63) (17) Cash distributions received from investees 52 10 Other, net (77) (20) Minority interest in subsidiaries, net of tax 131 102 Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions: Receivables and other assets (1,026) (1,102) Inventories, net (276) (424) Accounts payable and other liabilities 893 1,064 -------- -------- Net cash provided by operating activities 980 625 -------- --------

Investing activities: Property, plant, and equipment (425) (136) Acquisitions, net of cash acquired (114) (147) Investments in associated entities (61) (3,179) Other investments (30) (49) Proceeds from sale of non-current assets 544 387 -------- -------- Net cash used in investing activities (86) (3,124) -------- --------

Financing activities: Issuance of debt 1,755 359 Repayment of borrowings and exchangeable securities (1,829) (479) Cash on deposit 275 157 Issuance of shares 37 529 Dividends paid (121) (97) -------- -------- Net cash provided by financing activities 117 469 -------- --------

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 1,011 (2,030) Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 4,051 4,477 Exchange movement on opening cash balance 133 51 -------- -------- Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 5,195 $ 2,498 ======== ========

SEGMENT INFORMATION 3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended December 31, December 31, 2004 2003 2004 2003 ------- ------- -------- -------- US Millions US Millions

Revenues

Filmed Entertainment $1,872 $1,377 $ 3,249 $ 2,625 Television 1,564 1,555 2,568 2,566 Cable Network Programming 624 565 1,224 1,161 Direct Broadcast Satellite Television 581 421 996 685 Magazines and Inserts 259 229 491 451 Newspapers 1,010 858 1,875 1,597 Book Publishing 377 341 741 688 Other 275 207 564 395 ------- ------- -------- -------- $6,562 $5,553 $11,708 $10,168 ======= ======= ======== ========

Operating Income

Filmed Entertainment $ 407 $ 260 $ 698 $ 592 Television 153 159 387 339 Cable Network Programming 227 155 393 257 Direct Broadcast Satellite Television (105) (104) (226) (227) Magazines and Inserts 73 63 137 121 Newspapers 184 170 302 272 Book Publishing 62 57 122 116 Other (47) 10 (93) (28) ------- ------- -------- -------- $ 954 $ 770 $ 1,720 $ 1,442 ======= ======= ======== ========

    NOTE 1 - SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL DATA

    Earnings per share is presented on a combined basis as the Company will not be required to present the two class method beginning in Fiscal 2008. Currently under US GAAP earnings per share is computed individually for the Class A and Class B shares. Class A non-voting shares carry rights to a greater dividend than Class B voting shares through fiscal 2007. As such, net income available to the Company's common stockholders is allocated between our two classes of common stock. The allocation between classes was based upon the two-class method. Earnings per share by class and by total weighted average shares outstanding (Class A and Class B combined) is as follows:

3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended December 31, December 31, 2004 2003 2004 2003 ------- ------- ------- ------- US $ Millions US $ Millions

Basic earnings per share: Class A $0.14 $0.08 $0.37 $0.27 Class B $0.12 $0.07 $0.31 $0.22 Total $0.13 $0.08 $0.35 $0.25

Diluted earnings per share: Class A $0.14 $0.08 $0.36 $0.27 Class B $0.11 $0.07 $0.30 $0.22 Total $0.13 $0.08 $0.34 $0.25

Weighted average shares outstanding (diluted): Class A 1,976 1,696 1,974 1,675 Class B 1,016 983 998 983 Total 2,992 2,679 2,972 2,658

--30--MEM/ny*

CONTACT: Reed Nolte, Investor Relations 212-852-7092 Andrew Butcher, Press Inquiries 212-852-7070

KEYWORD: NEW YORK AUSTRALIA ITALY BRAZIL INTERNATIONAL ASIA PACIFIC LATIN AMERICA EUROPE INDUSTRY KEYWORD: MOTION PICTURES PUBLISHING ADVERTISING/MARKETING TELEVISION/RADIO CABLE CONFERENCE CALLS EARNINGS SOURCE: News Corporation

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