Despite a flurry of protesting communications spearheaded by websites like Avaaz (https://www.avaaz.org/en/stop_rupert_murdoch_uk/) along with a long list of criticism from rival media organisations, the government has today given their approval to Rupert Murdoch’s BSkyB takeover bid.
Rupert Murdoch is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of News Corp, the world’s third largest media conglomerate, but it’s probably important to note that the two media conglomerates above it in terms of revenue are Disney and Time Warner, with Viacom just ousted the top three, so in terms of world news News Corp is already top of the media pile.
However, if the bid goes through, helped along by the backing of the government (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12631875), it will add BSkyB to the News Corp mega-media mechanism expanding its control even further.
News Corp has conceded to make Sky News an independent company to ensure its impartiality, although there are more than a few commentators that indicate that this step may not be effective.
When a nation’s voice is so significantly influenced by one man, and that one man is not the Prime Minister then it is easy to see why there will be those that question the democratic nature of the nation. Especially, when so many people have actively questioned the increasing reach of the media might of Rupert Murdoch and News Corp, but to no avail.
