Regulator Ofcom is facing a potential legal challenge on its ruling that Sky would remain “fit and proper” to hold a UK broadcasting licence if it was snapped up by Rupert Murdoch’s 21st Century Fox.
Activist group Avaaz has hired lawyers and launched the first steps of a judicial review against the communications regulator following its report into Mr Murdoch’s £11.7 billion (US$15.1 billion) swoop.
Solicitors representing the group have issued a letter before claim to Ofcom, which the watchdog has 14 days to respond to before a formal judicial review can begin.
It comes after the government asked the regulator earlier this month to provide further advice before Culture Secretary Karen Bradley decides whether the proposed tie-up should face an in-depth investigation.
Ofcom told the Secretary of State in June that the takeover attempt raised “public interest concerns” and she could refer the deal to the Competition and Markets Authority for a fuller investigation on the grounds of media plurality.
The watchdog said the merger would not stop Sky from holding a broadcasting license. Alex Wilks, campaign director at Avaaz, said: “Ofcom’s made mistake after mistake in deciding to give the Murdochs a clean bill of health to take over more of our media.
Full Content: The Guardian
Want more news? Subscribe to CPI’s free daily newsletter for more headlines and updates on antitrust developments around the world.
Featured News
Canadian School Boards Sue Social Media Giants for $4 Billion
Mar 28, 2024 by
CPI
Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines Enter Timing Agreement with DOJ
Mar 28, 2024 by
CPI
Sam Bankman-Fried Gets 25-Year Sentence for $8B Crypto Fraud
Mar 28, 2024 by
CPI
Walmart Withdraws and Refiles Antitrust Review Application for Vizio Acquisition
Mar 28, 2024 by
CPI
Apple Prevails in Dismissal of Crypto-Payment Antitrust Lawsuit
Mar 27, 2024 by
CPI
Antitrust Mix by CPI
Antitrust Chronicle® – Real Estate & Antitrust
Mar 27, 2024 by
CPI
Systematic National Evidence of Steering by Real Estate Agents
Mar 27, 2024 by
CPI
Compliance Now! Actionable Antitrust Advice for the Residential Real Estate Industry
Mar 27, 2024 by
CPI
Real Estate Commissions: Some Insights from the Economics of Multi-Sided Platforms
Mar 27, 2024 by
CPI
New Ideas for Promoting Real Estate Brokerage Price Competition
Mar 27, 2024 by
CPI