News Corp is facing a call to remove Rupert Murdoch from his role as chairman of the board.
The proposal, by an influential investment group, Christian Brothers Investment Services (CBIS), keeps alive the ongoing controversy over New Corp's governance.
It is a further illustration of US concern about the UK phone hacking scandal and shows that Murdoch, who is also chief executive, remains under pressure.
However, in practical terms, the move is unlikely to succeed in winning a majority of votes.
Julie Tanner, who oversees socially responsible investing at CBIS in New York, told Reuters that News Corp had "a flawed corporate governance structure."
CBIS manages about $4bn of funds, mainly for Catholic institutional clients. It is among a group of activists seeking to reform corporate governance by creating independent chairmen.
Separately, the News Corp director overseeing the internal investigation into phone-hacking and allegations of bribery at News International, Viet Dinh, defended his role.
Speaking at a Washington event, he said the fact that was godfather to one of Murdoch's grandchildren did not make him less than independent.
Source: Reuters
