Rupert Murdoch’s Sky‑Slam Blocked
The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) just put a giant stop sign in front of billionaire Rupert Murdoch’s ambitious bid to snap up the entire Sky network for a whopping £11.7 billion.
Why the CMA is Saying “No, Thanks”
According to the regulatory body, the deal would bundle too much power in one hand, letting the Murdoch clan potentially steer every news outlet on every screen. In plain English:
- Too much control over news providers across TV, radio, and online.
- Excessive sway over public opinion and the political agenda.
- Damage to the plurality of voices that a healthy democracy needs.
Potential Fixes on the Table
The CMA has thrown three remedy options into the mix:
- Block the deal entirely – the cleanest, but may leave Sky on a corporate “hangover”.
- Let Fox spin off or sell the Sky News arm – a way to keep the news side independent.
- “Isolate” Sky News from Murdoch’s influence – the most subtle, but still works.
WtR Disney Got a Message
Now Disney has a choice: if it goes ahead with its $66 billion takeover of 21st Century Fox in the next year, it’ll need to decide whether to take over Sky outright or wrestle with these new hurdles.
Fox Responds
Fox said it “is pleased” that the CMA recognizes its commitment to broadcasting standards, but it’s not thrilled about the plurality consensus. “We’re disappointed but will keep the conversation going with the CMA,” they said, hinting at a spirited negotiation ahead of the final report coming out in May.
