Fox/Sky Could See Further UK Investigation

U.K. Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Karen Bradley still is leaning toward referring Fox's proposed purchase of Sky to receive further investigation, she said in a statement Thursday to Parliament. That follows meetings with Fox and a letter from Sky about public interest concerns regarding the deal, she said, adding neither company offered amendments or concessions. She said she's going through the materials and isn't ready to make a final recommendation, but that nothing either company said has led her to change her mind. Fox said it's pleased the U.K. Office of Communications concluded the steps Fox would take to maintain the editorial independence of Sky News would mitigate concerns about media concentration and thus was disappointed Bradley still saw plurality as an issue warranting further investigation. Fox pointed out the proposed deal received regulatory approval on public interest and plurality grounds in all Sky markets outside the U.K. An earlier takeover attempt ended amid a phone hacking scandal at a Fox-affiliated U.K. newspaper.