Murdoch promises Sun on Sunday 'very soon'

Dear  Colleagues:

I've  worked alongside you for 43 years to build The Sun into one of the  world's finest papers.  It is a part of me and is one of our proudest  achievements.  The Sun occupies a unique and important position  within News Corporation.

I  have immense respect for our heritage, your exceptional journalism and,  above all, you, the talented women and men who work tirelessly every day  to ensure our readers have access to such a trusted news source.  I  believe this newsroom is full of great journalists and I remain grateful  for your superb work and for the stories you uncover to inform and protect  the public. None more so than over the last three weeks.

My  continuing respect makes this situation a source of great pain for me, as  I know it is for each of you.

We  will obey the law.  Illegal activities simply cannot and will not be  tolerated – at any of our publications. Our Board of Directors, our  management team and I take these issues very seriously.

Our  independently chaired Management & Standards Committee, which operates  outside of News International, has been instructed to cooperate with the  police.  We will turn over every piece of evidence we find -- not  just because we are obligated to but because it is the right thing to do.  

We  are doing everything we can to assist those who were arrested -- all  suspensions are hereby lifted until or whether charged and they are  welcome to return to work.    News Corporation will cover  their legal expenses.  Everyone is innocent unless proven  otherwise.

I  made a commitment last summer that I would do everything I could to get to  the bottom of our problems and make this Company an example to Fleet  Street of ethical journalism.  We will continue to ensure that all  appropriate steps are taken to protect legitimate journalistic privilege  and sources, which I know are essential for all of you to do your jobs.  But we cannot protect people who have paid public officials.

I  am confident we can live by these commitments and still produce great  journalism.

We  will build on The Sun’s proud heritage by launching The Sun on  Sunday very soon.  Our duty is to expand one of the world’s  most widely read newspapers and reach even more people than ever before.   

Having  a winning paper is the best answer to our critics.

I  am even more determined to see The Sun continue to fight for its readers  and its beliefs. I am staying with you all, in London, for the next  several weeks to give you my unwavering support.   

I  am confident we will get through this together and emerge stronger.    Thank  you,