The media regulator Ofcom has appointed a team to more closely monitor whether BSkyB should maintain its status as being fit and proper to hold a broadcast licence.
Ofcom’s renewed focus comes from the chairmanship of the satellite broadcaster by James Murdoch, until February 29 the chairman of News International which has been embroiled in a series of claims over phonehacking and payment to public officials, and who remains chairman of BSkyB.
To date Ofcom had only acknowledged its duties to ensure all broadcasters meet the “fit and proper” requirements.
News of the regulator’s increased interest emerged after enquiries made by the Financial Times.
Although News Corp holds 39.1% of BSkyB it is deemed to have effective control of the broadcaster. Executives in the UK have sought to distance the operation from News Corp, which has continued to expressed an interest in purchasing the remainder of the stock.
In July 2011 News Corp withdrew its bid for BSkyB that had originally been tabled in June 2010 and had been the subject of ongoing political controversy.
