Ofcom threatened with judicial review after clearing way for Murdoch’s Sky takeover
An activist group attempting to scupper Rupert Murdoch’s bid to wrest full control of Sky television via 21st Century Fox is threatening to derail the proposed takeover by instigating a judicial review.
Ofcom threatened with judicial review after clearing way for Murdoch’s Sky takeover
At issue the regulators ruling is that Sky would remain a ‘fit and proper’ custodian of its broadcasting license if held in the arms of 21st Century Fox, angering Avaaz which has already instructed its lawyers to begin legal proceedings against the regulator.
This takes the form of a formal letter sent to Ofcom to which the regulator must respond within 14 days before the judicial review process kicks in.
Avaaz campaign director Alex Wilks explained: “Ofcom's made mistake after mistake in deciding to give the Murdochs a clean bill of health to take over more of our media. They need to reopen their investigation to regain credibility.”
Murdoch is closer than he’s ever been to claiming the 61% of Sky he does not own in an audacious £11.7bn move spearheaded by 21st Century Fox. Crucial government backing for the deal remains on a knife edge with culture secretary Karen Bradley requesting further advice from Ofcom before either waving the deal through or starting a more in-depth investigation.