Media: Frozen Murdoch holds Sky chair

Rupert Murdoch has been re-elected as chairman of BSkyB for the 18th year running despite having died three years ago.

The media magnate, cryogenically frozen after passing away aged 83 in 2014, gained the support of 73% of shareholders.

It reflects increasing support for Murdoch's chairmanship as BSkyB's domination has continued to grow since his death.

Crucially this year it finally took control of the UK's cable network. It successfully appealed a Competition Commission and Ofcom ruling against the buy-out on the basis that a deceased man could not legally have a monopolistic interest.

Ironically, the growing commercial and editorial control Murdoch took over his empire in the years before his death has also cleared the way for his posthumous success.

The UK's 2013 withdrawal from the European Union, under Prime Minister and long-time Sun editor Rebekah Wade, means its competition authority no longer stands in BSkyB's way.

Chief executive James Murdoch commented: "I fully support the shareholders' decision which I think reflects my father's unsurpassed business ability and foresight.

"We are now looking to continue our success by running the cable business into the ground (geddit?), making way for the anti-intuitive domination of the satellite dish."

Murdoch's widow Wendi Deng, 49, told DS: "My husband does seem to be particularly successful even now. But we remain committed to investment in medical science until it can bring him back, for the good of his family and media industry globally."