Murdochs, Rebekah Brooks hacking hearing live stream watched by 1.5m

A live video stream of yesterday's landmark select committee hearing commanded an online audience of 1.5 million, with a 25% surge in the 30 seconds after Rupert Murdoch was attacked with a foam pie.

Run as a collaboration between technology firm Rightster and ITN Productions, a live stream of Murdoch and his son James giving evidence to MPs on the Commons culture, media and sport committee was distributed to the websites of The Guardian, the Daily Mail, MSN and ITN, along with ITN's page on Facebook. The live stream also included the questioning of former News International chief executive Rebekah Brooks immediately after the Murdochs.

The online broadcast attracted a total of 1.53 million unique streams across the websites where it was available. Concurrent streams spiked by 25% in the 30 seconds after the 80-year-old billionaire was hit with a plate of shaving foam by a protestor.

Rightster chief executive Charlie Muirhead said: "These figures indicate not just the compelling nature of the phone hacking saga, but also the rising importance of online media and live video streaming as a way for mass audiences to engage in news events globally.

"Rightster is committed to helping content owners and publishers bring such significant live events to a worldwide audience, in the most efficient and innovative way possible."

ITN Productions managing director Mark Browning said: "Following our success with the royal wedding, ITN Productions has further consolidated its position at the forefront of news event live streaming.

"With our partners including the biggest commercial news sites in the UK, we will be looking to deliver more events in the coming months."

Jonathan May-Bowles, the activist who is alleged to have thrown the pie at Murdoch, has today been charged with behaviour causing harassment, alarm or distress in a public place. He was bailed to appear before City of Westminster Magistrates Court this Friday.