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20/09/2012
BSkyB Ruled 'Fit And Proper' By Media Regulator
BSkyB has been ruled as a "fit and proper" company to hold a broadcasting licence, by the UK media regulator.
Ofcom investigated the broadcaster in the wake of the phone hacking scandal that engulfed Rupert Murdoch's media empire, which owns 39% of BSkyB.
Despite the conclusion, Ofcom has criticised former BSkyB chairman James Murdoch, Rupert's son, for his role in the scandal, saying his actions "repeatedly fell short of the conduct" expected of a chief executive officer and chairman.
Amid allegations that senior executives at News International, Rupert Murdoch's newspaper arm, knew the extent of the phone hacking, Ofcom decided to investigate if the affair had any bearing on BSkyB.
In a ruling on Thursday, Ofcom said: "In July 2011, in light of the public debate about phone hacking and other allegations, Ofcom confirmed that it had a duty to consider whether Sky was fit and proper to continue to hold its broadcast licences.
"Ofcom considers that, on the evidence currently available and having taken into account all the relevant factors, Sky is fit and proper to hold its broadcast licences."
Ofcom said, however, that "should further evidence become available" it may review the issue.
Under the Broadcasting Act 1990, Ofcom has to ensure holders of broadcasting licences are "fit and proper".
(H)
Ofcom investigated the broadcaster in the wake of the phone hacking scandal that engulfed Rupert Murdoch's media empire, which owns 39% of BSkyB.
Despite the conclusion, Ofcom has criticised former BSkyB chairman James Murdoch, Rupert's son, for his role in the scandal, saying his actions "repeatedly fell short of the conduct" expected of a chief executive officer and chairman.
Amid allegations that senior executives at News International, Rupert Murdoch's newspaper arm, knew the extent of the phone hacking, Ofcom decided to investigate if the affair had any bearing on BSkyB.
In a ruling on Thursday, Ofcom said: "In July 2011, in light of the public debate about phone hacking and other allegations, Ofcom confirmed that it had a duty to consider whether Sky was fit and proper to continue to hold its broadcast licences.
"Ofcom considers that, on the evidence currently available and having taken into account all the relevant factors, Sky is fit and proper to hold its broadcast licences."
Ofcom said, however, that "should further evidence become available" it may review the issue.
Under the Broadcasting Act 1990, Ofcom has to ensure holders of broadcasting licences are "fit and proper".
(H)
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