BBC DG voices concern about News Corp’s BSkyB acquisition

BBC director-general Mark Thompson has added his voice to the growing chorus voicing concern about News Corp’s plan to take full control of UK pay-TV operator BSkyB.

In an interview with PBS in New York, Thompson warned of the potential for “abuse of power” by News Corp if it was allowed to acquire the 61% of BSkyB that it did not already own, leading to a loss in media plurality.

News Corp is expected to notify the EC about its intention to acquire BSkyB soon. This will lead to a regulatory process in the UK that could ultimately leave business secretary Vince Cable to decide whether to veto the acquisition on public interest grounds.