News Corp boss Robert Thomson lashes New York Times "hatchet job" on Murdoch family

News Corporation global chief executive Robert Thomson has attacked the digital giant Google while warning that a "mob mentality" has taken hold of debate in much of the West. 

Mr Thomson also defended his boss and News Corp founder Rupert Murdoch accusing his rivals including the influential New York times of "muck spreading" and doing a hatchet job on the Murdoch family. 

ABC's Peter Ryan says Mr Thomson's comments come as Rupert Murdoch recalibrates his empire to deal with the digital shift and determines his succession plan.

Excerpt from Robert Thomson address for Keith Murdoch Oration