Miliband and Cable: Murdoch's bid for Sky should be blocked
The former Labour leader and Lib Dem Business Secretary say the proposed £18bn deal should be referred to the regulator
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Former Labour Leader Ed Miliband and Vince Cable have called for Rupert Murdoch’s proposed takeover of Sky to be blocked band referred to the regulator Ofcom.
21st Century Fox has launched a second bid for the 61 per cent stake of British TV and internet provider Sky that it does not own, after a previous attempt was thrown out in 2011 in the wake of the phone hacking scandal.
In a joint article in The Observer, Mr Miliband and former Business Secretary Vince Cable wrote: “The question as to whether 100 per cent ownership is right now when it was not four years ago can be answered emphatically: no. James Murdoch, despite what the 2012 report said, is now back as chairman of Sky and is chief executive of 21st Century Fox as it seeks to take over Sky. There are crucial – unanswered – issues around the culture and competence of what went on at Murdoch-owned newspapers which have not been satisfactorily resolved or answered.
“The Murdochs may claim that editorial independence could be guaranteed by ringfencing Sky News, and impartiality protected by Ofcom, the regulator. But the answer to this and the deeper questions at the heart of this bid depend on trust and the conduct of the Murdoch organisation and family does not inspire trust. If it was inappropriate for the Murdochs to take 100 per cent control of Sky even before the multiple convictions of their former employees, it must be inappropriate now.
“Promises that might be made to the regulators that there will be a specified proportion of independent non-executive directors cannot overcome the reality of total ownership and control.”
Since the 2011 scandal Mr Murdoch’s businesses have been significantly restructured, separating out the news and entertainment side, which 21st Century Fox hopes will prevent it falling foul of rules on monopoly media ownership.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments