The British government said Thursday it wants a takeover of pan-European satellite TV giant Sky by Rupert Murdoch's 21st Century Fox entertainment group to undergo an in-depth probe by the competition authorities. "I confirm that I am minded to refer to a phase two investigation on the grounds of media plurality," culture minister Karen Bradley said in a statement to lawmakers following an assessment from media watchdog Ofcom, despite the tie-up winning the approval of the EU.
The deal "raises public interest concerns" because it may result in "increased influence" of the Murdoch family over the British news agenda and political process, she added.