News Corp. boss Rupert Murdoch joins Twitter

The 80-year-old CEO of News Corporation, Rupert Murdoch, has joined the microblogging platform Twitter.

The 80-year-old CEO of News Corporation, Rupert Murdoch, has joined the microblogging platform Twitter.

Users were initially suspicious that an account opened by "Rupert Murdoch" on New Year''s Eve could be fake.

But its authenticity was confirmed by Twitter founder Jack Dorsey who said: "With his own voice, in his own way, @RupertMurdoch is now on Twitter."

The media tycoon offered opinions on subjects including the US presidential election, the Oscars race and Steve Jobs, The Telegraph reports.

In his first tweet, Murdoch said, "Have just. Read The Rational Optimist. Great book."

He also tweeted that George Clooney deserved an Oscar for his performance in "The Descendants."

Murdoch also said that a biography of Steve Jobs and been "interesting but unfair" and revealed his opinion that Alexander Hamilton was the "best man never elected president".

Within 24 hours Murdoch amassed over 26,000 followers, the report said.

His appearance on Twitter, however, was not welcomed by all.

Lord Prescott, the former UK deputy prime minister, said, "Hey @rupertmurdoch. I''m surprised you''re only following two people. The police said it was at least 800."