Hunt could refer News Corp bid for full control of BskyB to Competition Commission
Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt could be set to refer the bid by News Corporation to buy full control of BskyB to the Competition Commission.
Hunt has said that he will consider proposals by News Corp to alleviate competition concerns ahead of any reference to the Commission being made about the $12 billion buy-out.
In a statement, Hunt said: "As a result of these meetings and my consideration of the Ofcom report and subsequent submissions from the parties involved I still intend to refer the merger to the Competition Commission.”
He continued: "On the evidence available, I consider that it may be the case that the merger may operate against the public interest in media plurality.
"However, before doing so it is right that I consider any undertakings in lieu offered by any merging party which have the potential to prevent or otherwise mitigate the potential threats to media plurality identified in the Ofcom report."
Already Ofcom has expressed fears that should the deal go through, News Corp’s owner Rupert Murdoch would have too much influence over the media and public opinion.