Ofcom starts work on News Corp-BSkyB probe

UK communications regulator Ofcom has commenced its probe into the proposed News Corp deal to acquire the 61% of pay TV platform BSkyB it does not already own.

News Corp has notified the European Commission of its intention to acquire the stock and the UK Secretary of State, Vince Cable, subsequently issued an intervention notice, sparking the investigation into whether the deal impact plurality of media ownership.

Ofcom is seeking input from the various stakeholders until November 19 and will conduct an investigation before reporting back to the Secretary of State by the end of the year.