Phone Hacking gets personal: Fall of News of the World, Rise of Scandal

We've been hearing the name Rupert Murdoch being tossed around all news stations in recent weeks, but do we really know why?

Rupert Murdoch is the owner of News Corp. News Corp is ONE word that stands for a bajillion things. News Corp owns MAJOR book publishing companies, magazines, Television networks, Newspapers, Music (Radio Stations, record labels, etc), movie studios, television shows/networks (satellite, cable, etc), and Internet media. Yes, this is all essentially owned under the discretion of one man, Rupert Murdoch.

The 80-year-old gazillionaire (or EIGHT BILLIONAIRE, to be exact) is under major scrutiny. Obviously, such a powerful man can make a huge impact on society.

Anyhow, News Corp was recently scrutinized for allegedly taking part in a "Phone Hacking Scandal," in attempts to get news for their benefit. (To prevent boredom: Read more about it here)

The supposed "Phone Hacking Scandal" went personal. It originally appeared that the News of the World (A tabloid magazine based out of the UK which is under the ownership of News Corp) had only hacked the phones of celebrities, politicians and members of the British Royal Family in order to get unknown, personal information. However, in July 2011, it was discovered that victims also included the loved ones of murdered schoolgirl Milly Dowler, relatives of deceased British soldiers, and victims of the 7/7 London bombings.

Milly Dowler, murder victim

This clearly stirred up major controversy and outrage among the public and especially the victim's loved ones.

So in essence, News of the World was taking advantage of those that were healing, so they could get the most personal information. Even though Murdoch shut down News of the World this year, there is still major controversy surrounding the situation.

Can you imagine? Losing your daughter to a brutal murder, then finding out your phone has been hacked by reporters so they can get information for their OWN benefit?

Aside from victims being used, celebrities were being hacked as well.

Other celebrities that were hacked include: Hugh Grant, Elle Macpherson, David Beckham, and many more.