Oxford University has explained why media mogul Rupert Murdoch has been removed from the name of a professorship he endowed. 

The university agreed to amend the title of the 'Rupert Murdoch Professor in Language and Communication’ to ‘Professor of Language and Communication, endowed by News UK’.

The endowment to the university was established in 1991 by News International under the ownership of Rupert Murdoch.

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It has become an openly recognised part of academic activity and events in the Faculty and College. 

his includes students from the English Faculty interning at News UK every summer as Murdoch Scholars, and the Faculty’s annual Visiting Professor of Creative Media lecture.

A spokesman for Oxford University said: "Oxford University has agreed to amend the title of ‘Rupert Murdoch Professor in Language and Communication’ to ‘Professor of Language and Communication, endowed by News UK’.

"This change rationalises and clarifies that the post, currently vacant, has always been funded by News UK (formerly News International) and follows University policy that donors are recognised in professorship titles.

"It also clarifies the funding position to potential applicants.

"The amendment was made at the suggestion and full agreement of News UK, who continue to support and fund the post and associated educational programme in the Faculty of English Language and Literature and at Worcester College.

"The university remains extremely grateful to Mr Murdoch and News UK for their ongoing generosity and support for teaching and research in the field of language and communication."