Apr 3, 2018

Disney offers to buy Sky News to ease Murdoch fears

Walt Disney has waded into the years-long dispute over Rupert Murdoch's influence in UK media by offering to buy Sky News, a move aimed at easing political and regulatory fears that Fox's acquisition of the TV outlet would deepen the media mogul's dominance in Britain. Mr Murdoch would gain full control of the cable news channel if UK regulators approve the planned £11.7bn takeover of its parent Sky by 21st Century Fox. Disney said in a statement it would be willing "To sustain the operating capital of Sky News and maintain its editorial independence" once it took over the news channel. A Disney deal was one of two options offered by Mr Murdoch to win over the CMA. Fox said it could also separate Sky News from Sky and establish it as an independent company with its own independent board, as well as pledging to fund it for 15 years - five more than it offered two months ago. Disney would still have to receive regulatory approval if it agrees to buy Sky News.

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