Murdoch: inquiries don't worry us

[BGonaSTICK]

R. Murdoch has accused the government of "chickening out" of taking a decision about the competition inquiry looming over BSkyB's controversial £1bn swoop for a stake in ITV.

Mr Murdoch, whose media empire News Corporation has a 39% stake in the UK satellite company, defended BSkyB's acquisition of a 17.9% stake in ITV and declared himself unworried by the threat of a competition inquiry.

He said Sky had stayed within cross-media ownership rules by buying less than 20% of ITV when it made its move in November.

"We have done nothing illegal," he said on a News Corp results call. "The 20% limit in ownership [in the 2003 Communications Act] was known as the Murdoch clause, and we stayed under the 20%.

"We are not worried by any of these inquiries, however long they take. We have done nothing illegal.

"I'm disappointed simply that the politicians chickened out and punt these things to these quangos."

A competition investigation into the Sky acquisition is almost certain after the Office of Fair Trading advised the government last month that it raised significant competition concerns and meant ITV was no longer fully independent.

Media watchdog Ofcom also said the deal raised public interest concerns because of its potential effect on media plurality.

The decision over whether to refer the matter to the Competition Commission now rests with trade secretary Alistair Darling, who must make his ruling by May 26.

But even if Mr Darling does not refer the case, the OFT could decide to hand its files to the commission, which would investigate and make the final decision.

Separately, Ofcom is examining whether a change in shareholding at ITV amounts to a change of control and whether that would have an effect on the broadcaster's licence commitments on output such as news and current affairs.

Sky also faces other regulatory scrutiny from Ofcom. The watchdog is deciding whether to allow Sky to launch pay-TV channels on Freeview and is conducting a wider review of its place in the UK pay-TV market, after complaints from cable group Virgin Media and other rivals such as Setanta and BT.

[BGonaSTICK]

Originally Posted by BGonaSTICK

"I'm disappointed simply that the politicians chickened out and punt these things to these quangos."

So are we mate, so are we.

[Jimdefruit]

I know it was someone else's quote but I am getting a bit concerned that you are answering your own posts. :roflmao:

[barr6868]

If you've got something to say, then say it!