Of all the dumb campaigns News Corp has unleashed, its distraught strike on proxy firms, in strident defence of Harvey Norman, takes the cake.

To recap, corporate pest Stephen Mayne nominated for election to the retailer’s board at its November 27 annual meeting. His bid is entirely symbolic. Executive chairman Gerry Harvey and his associates control 56.9 per cent of outstanding shares, ensuring Mayne’s latest shot at a public company directorship will be as unsuccessful as his previous 49.