Former News International executive chairman James Murdoch has stepped down as chairman of satellite broadcaster BSkyB, the company said today.

James Murdoch is reportedly set to step down as chairman of satellite broadcaster BSkyB following months of pressure to relinquish the role in the wake of the phone-hacking scandal at News International.

Protesters calling for the resignation of BSkyB chairman James Murdoch gathered outside the company’s annual general meeting today.

James Murdoch will face calls to resign as chairman of BSkyB at the satellite broadcaster's annual meeting tomorrow amid fears his links to the phone hacking inquiry at News Corporation will damage the company's reputation.