Sky/21st Century Fox: Merger
Debate between Margaret Ferrier and Karen Bradley
Karen Bradley
I am getting slightly worried, because this is the second time this morning the hon. Gentleman has worked consensually with the Government, but I take note of his comments.
Margaret Ferrier (Rutherglen and Hamilton West) (SNP)
I welcome today’s statement, as will many of my constituents who have been in contact with me regarding this matter. I am sure that they will all be happy that the bid is being referred to the regulators. Given that Britain has one of the most concentrated media environments in the world, with three companies controlling 71% of national newspaper circulation and five companies in command of 81% of local newspapers titles, does the Secretary of State agree that now is the ideal time to review properly the media landscape in Britain?
Karen Bradley
I am very proud of the incredibly diverse free press that we have in this country, and I want to preserve it and ensure that we can enable it to thrive. There was a question in oral questions about local newspapers, and I certainly want local newspapers, and others, to thrive. Through this process, it is important that we ensure that we have a plurality of media and broadcasting. That is why I have asked Ofcom to look at this particular issue.
Sky/21st Century Fox: Proposed Merger
Debate between Margaret Ferrier and Karen Bradley
Karen Bradley
Let me repeat that the public consultation, which was closed in January, is now subject to judicial review and therefore I cannot comment further on that matter.
Margaret Ferrier (Rutherglen and Hamilton West) (SNP)
As I mentioned during the urgent question on 20 January, a “substantial number” of my constituents have contacted me to voice their concerns over this proposed merger, particularly with regard to media plurality. Does the Secretary of State agree with them, and indeed with the previous Prime Minister, that we should not let any one media group get too powerful?
Sky: 21st Century Fox Takeover Bid
Debate between Margaret Ferrier and Karen Bradley(7 years, 4 months ago)
Commons ChamberRead Full debate Read Hansard Text
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Karen Bradley
My apologies, but I cannot answer that question at this stage. I have a quasi-judicial role in this process; I know that the hon. Lady has a legal background and will understand that. I simply cannot make comments at this stage.
Margaret Ferrier (Rutherglen and Hamilton West) (SNP)
I know that this question will not be answered, but I am asking it just the same. A substantial number of my constituents have contacted me in the past week about the bid, and they are all of the same opinion—that Mr Murdoch has too much influence over our media. Many would like to see his bid referred to Ofcom for that very reason. However, does the Minister agree that at the very least, any takeover should be delayed until the Leveson part 2 inquiry takes place?
Karen Bradley
I apologise again, but I cannot make comments on the merits of the bid or the process.