Credit the BSA for an aggressive media campaign and a few high-profile legal battles against companies found to have pirated software on employee's machines.

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But with Branson stepping on Murdoch's toes with an aggressive expansion into the media marketplace, the Australian-born tycoon looks ready for a fight -- which only one of them can win.

CNN: Branson, Murdoch square off in media war

Increasingly, legendary activist investor Daniel Loeb, founder of New York-based hedge fund Third Point LLC, has long locked-in his reputation in the investing world largely by stirring media controversy through his very public shareholder letters that boldly highlight his aggressive attempts to push for change and replenish company board seats.

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