He's "stepped aside" not resigned....
This is how they are spinning it on the skyintranet:
James Murdoch steps aside as Chairman
James Murdoch has decided to step aside as Chairman of BSkyB. He will go back to being a non-executive director of Sky.
Nick Ferguson, who has been a director of Sky since 2004, will become the new Chairman of the company.
“I have always sought to put the interests of Sky, our customers and our shareholders first,” James told today@sky. “This decision, while difficult for me, is consistent with that approach. In the light of the continuing intensity and volume of commentary around past events at News International, I want to ensure that the interests of BSkyB should not be undermined by matters that ultimately have nothing to do with it.”
Chief Executive Jeremy Darroch paid tribute to James’ contribution.
“James has played a huge role in the development of Sky. His energy and passion have helped transform us from a single product company into the broad based, modern business we know today with over 10 million customers. Over the years I’ve witnessed at first hand his passionate commitment to our entire business, all of our people, and our broader contribution to life in the UK and Ireland. I’d like to thank him for all he has done and the support he has given to me and the whole team at Sky.”