Australia fires: Murdoch's son criticises News Corp coverage Published duration 14 January Related Topics Australia fires

image copyright Getty Images image caption James Murdoch (at right) sits on the News Corp board but his brother Lachlan (left) has a bigger role in the family business

Rupert Murdoch's son James has said he is "disappointed" with the ongoing "denial" in his father's news outlets as Australia's wildfires burn.

James and his wife Kathryn Murdoch told The Daily Beast of their frustration with News Corp and Fox coverage of the climate issue.

Murdoch columnists have described linking the fires to climate change as "hysterical" and "silly".

Rupert Murdoch has described himself as a climate sceptic.

He denies employing climate deniers.

But critics of News Corp have pointed to its comment articles and reporting of the alleged role of arson in the wildfires as minimising the impact of a changing climate.

Murdoch-owned titles account for about 70% of newspaper circulation in Australia's major cities.

media caption Social media claims that arson was a significant factor in the fires have proved inaccurate

James Murdoch remains on the board of News Corp but is not otherwise employed by his father's businesses. He runs a private investment company.