Fox pledges on Sky News independence to win bid clearance
Broadcaster 21st Century Fox has offered to bolster editorial independence at Sky News as it tries to win regulatory backing for its bid to take control of the UK broadcaster.
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In documents submitted to the Competition and Markets Authority, Fox proposed a series of "firewall remedies", including a guaranteed funding of the Sky News operation for five years and and independent editorial board that would be free of interference from Fox executives.
Murdoch-owned Fox has been trying to buy the 61% of Sky that it does not own since December 2016. It has been up against stiff opposition to the deal from those who feel it would give the Rupert Murdoch too much control over British media.
The Australian-born American and his family already own The Times, Sunday Times and Sun newspapers through News Corporation.
There is now the added complication of Disney agreeing to buy most of Fox's assets, including its 39% stake in Sky.
The CMA last month provisionally ruled against the takeover on the grounds that it would diminish media plurality in the UK. It will present its final report to Culture Secretary Matt Hancock by May 1. A final decision is expected by June 14.