P.M. Briefing : London OKs Satellite TV Merger
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LONDON — The government today cleared a merger between Rupert Murdoch’s Sky Television and British Satellite Broadcasting.
Trade Secretary Peter Lilley said he will not refer the deal to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission.
The Conservative government’s decision sparked criticism from opposition parties.
“It is detrimental to the public interest that Sky should be allowed to establish a satellite television monopoly without penalty,” said Labor lawmaker Robin Corbett, the party’s spokesman on broadcasting matters.
Sky Television, which had four channels, and BSB, which had five, announced the merger in early November to stem mounting losses from both operations.
The renamed, five-channel British Sky Broadcasting, is 50% owned by Murdoch’s News International and 50% by BSB’s existing shareholders.
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