Rupert Murdoch has claimed that his son James is the best choice to be the CEO of BSkyB – even though headhunters Spencer Stuart have drawn up a list of alternatives.

Shareholders in BSkyB have argued that Murdoch Junior, who is only 30, lacks the proper experience to replace outgoing chief executive Tony Ball.

James is currently chief executive of Star, a successful Asian pay-TV station and has the backing of 35% shareholder News Corp.

Murdoch senior told the US investment publication Barons: "Nobody is more qualified to take over a multi-channel platform than James with the exception of Charles Ergen of Echostar. But of course, Charlie is not available."