Jeremy Hunt defends decision to allow News Corp takeover of BSkyB

Culture minister claims the deal will increase the diversity of the British media.

By Liam McLaughlin Published 31 March 2011

The takeover of BSkyB by News Corp will increase the diversity of British media, according to Jeremy Hunt. The culture minister argued that splitting Sky News from Sky would heighten media plurality by increasing Sky News' independence from where it is now. News Corp is to fund Sky News for 10 years as a part of the agreement. Hunt admitted he had met with James Murdoch twice before the deal was approved, but that minutes of the meetings will not be available until the deal itself is finalised.

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3 comments

Fri, 2011-04-01 11:10 — Blaine McCartney (not verified)

Murdoch and his empire is fast becoming one of the most dangerous forces in the world, but, being a very large contributer to the Conservative Party, who is surprised at this decision and indeed, the defence of it?

Thu, 2011-04-07 23:21 — Reginald-Fah-fah

Jeremy Hunt is a fantastic culture minister and he is a Top Tory! We welcome all the new jobs he has created in the culture market! Marvellous!!!!

Thu, 2011-03-31 22:02 — Tom (not verified)

Hunt actually believes this will create more "diversity"? How? Consider the share of the U.K. media market that News Corp. controls already. Also consider the power that Murdoch holds over Blair, Cameron and others in govt.

Also, how many people actually believe that Sky is a legitimate network?