UK: CMA outlines scope of its probe into Fox’s Sky bid

The UK competition watchdog has set out the scope of its investigation looking into Rupert Murdoch’s £11.7 billion (US$15.5 billion) Sky takeover bid.

The deal was referred to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) last month by Karen Bradley, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, on public interest grounds.

This followed a three month investigation by Ofcom, which found no reason to block the takeover bid on the grounds of broadcasting standards but had raised concerns about media plurality.

The CMA has today outlined the scope of its investigation, confirming it will focus on both media plurality and broadcasting standards.

The CMA will investigate the Murdoch family’s potential influence on editorial control and commercial decisions at Sky News and if this would change if 21st Century Fox was allowed to buy the remaining 61% of Sky it does not already own.

It will also look at the Murdoch family’s ability to “influence the political agenda” and how this might change after the deal, alongside more general scrutiny of how the deal could affect the number and variety of media in the UK, including the “range of viewpoints.”

Broadcasting standards at Fox and Sky will also come under the spotlight, with the CMA confirming it will look at whether the merged group would have a “genuine commitment” to broadcasting standards, which will include looking into their past track record.

The CMA will also look into corporate governance and the treatment of employees in the UK and overseas as part of its wide-ranging inquiry.

Full Content: The Guardian

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