Regulator clashes with government over Sky takeover

Ofcom chief executive defends conclusion that the proposed takeover of Sky by 21st Century Fox is a media plurality issue, and not a question of broadcasting standards.

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The proposed takeover of Sky by 21st Century Fox has caused a clash between the UK government and one of its most high-profile regulators.
Culture secretary Karen Bradley referred the deal to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) for closer scrutiny on the grounds of concern for both media plurality and broadcasting standards. The regulator, Ofcom, had recommended that the deal be recommend on plurality grounds only.
Sharon White, Ofcom's chief executive, has defended the regulator's conclusions, telling The Times that both issues have been examined in great detail in a "rigorous" process.
"We said on broadcasting standards t
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