He's taken some flak over Tuition Fees, but credit where credit's due on this one. Nice one Vincey Boy.
As Business Secretary it was up to Vince Cable to decide whether to refer Murdoch’s plan to buy up the majority shares of BSkyB to Ofcom. Happily he’s done the right thing.
“On the basis of the information and submissions available to me, I have decided that it is appropriate to issue an intervention notice in this particular case. The independent experts at Ofcom will now investigate and report to me on the media plurality issues that may arise from this proposed acquisition.”
Thank Christ for that. Should Murdoch get his way News Corp would extend its reach from owning 37% of the national press (including The Sun, News of the World and The Times), to effectively taking control of our TV with a broadcasting outfit that’s already twice the size of the BBC in revenue terms.
Murdoch currently owns 39% of BSkyB and is now looking to buy up the remaining 61% of the company run by his son James Murdoch. With the two companies merged the very real fear highlighted in a recent report by Enders Analysis is that News Corp would have “greater opportunity to influence, tacitly or otherwise, the editorial coverage of Sky News and other BSkyB channels.” You only have to flick across to Fox News to see what awaits should this go through.
Given Murdoch’s support for the Conservatives in the recent election and Cameron’s association with key figures within the organisation, Cable was doubtless under intense pressure from cabinet colleagues, including Cameron himself, to pay Tory Party dues back to the Murdoch empire. As part of the Chipping Norton Triangle, Cameron is know to wine and dine with News International CEO Rebekah Brooks, along with Elizabeth Murdoch and hubby Matthew Freud. In addition, Cameron’s Communications Director, Andy Coulson is firmly made of News International stock.
All told then a brave decision from young Vince. Let’s just hope Ofcom now play their part to scupper Murdoch’s grand plan.
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