British Prime Minister David Cameron is expected to announce further details regarding governmental inquiries into the News Corp. phone-hacking scandal sometime Wednesday morning.
Cameron already has stated that there will be two inquiries, and The Guardian is reporting their scope will be broadened to include more than just News Corp., in light of the ever-growing list of revelations and allegations.
A judge — to be named Wednesday — will be in charge of both inquiries. The first one was previously thought to be limited to the hacking perpetrated by News of the World. It is now expected to scrutinize greater dealings between law enforcement, the media and politicians.
The second panel is expected to examine the future of media ethics and regulation. The primary inquiry is not supposed to begin until the criminal investigation has completed its course.
Witnesses can be compelled to testify, which means that even former Prime Ministers Gordon Brown and Tony Blair may be summoned. Both Rupert and James Murdoch, as well as News International chief executive Rebekah Brooks may be summoned as well.
Brooks and the Murdoch may also testify next week, only in front of Parliament’s Culture, Media and Sport Committee. It has invited all three to appear, though News Corp. has said it is awaiting a “formal invitation.”
