Further to James Robinson's posting yesterday on the likelihood of business secretary Vince Cable referring News Corporation's bid for full control of BSkyB to the media regulator Ofcom...
The Labour party has now formally called on Cable to intervene on public interest grounds.
Ivan Lewis, the shadow culture, media and sport secretary, and John Denham, the shadow business secretary, have both demanded a referral to ensure "proper scrutiny".
Lewis said: "News Corp's bid to take total control of BSkyB raises important questions about the future of media in Britain... It is essential both sides of the argument are heard and tested, if we are to reach a conclusion truly in the public interest." He added:
"It is important for democracy in Britain that the power to influence opinion and shape debate is in the hands of a broad range of organisations and prevents any one organisation dominating the landscape.
"It is a fundamental part of the answer to the question – what kind of country do we want to live in?"
Lewis conceded that News Corp's supremo, Rupert Murdoch, and BSkyB "have been a force for good in improving the quality of broadcasting for British consumers and stimulating investment in our creative industries."
But, he concluded, "the Murdoch empire has sometimes crossed reasonable boundaries with over zealous business practices and the assertion of political power. T
"The rules governing media ownership must be applied fairly, irrespective of the status or size of media organisation."
