Rupert Murdoch’s 21st Century Fox tells government: Sky takeover is “in the interest of the UK”
Rupert Murdoch’s 21st Century Fox has written to the government setting out why its Sky takeover is “in the interest of the UK, its creative economy and its consumers”.
Culture secretary Karen Bradley is currently considering whether to refer the £11.7bn deal to broadcasting regulator Ofcom.
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She has said she is “minded” to do so, citing concerns over media plurality and broadcasting standards. Bradley has until the end of next week to decide whether to do so.
Fox today said it “welcomes a thorough and thoughtful regulatory review” in the letter to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
“We believe this transaction is in the interest of the UK, its creative economy and its consumers,” executive vice president Jeffrey Palker said.
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“For the past 30 years, Fox and Sky have been broadcasters of good standing in the UK, a responsibility we take seriously.
“The UK has a thriving creative and media sector that is becoming increasingly more plural and we are confident that this transaction would not result in there being insufficient plurality in the UK.
“We will continue to work with all relevant regulatory authorities in assisting their reviews.”
Fox agreed an £11.7bn deal for the 61 per cent of Sky it does not already own in December.