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Ed Miliband Demands Breakup of Rupert Murdoch's Media Empire

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Labour leader Ed Miliband has launched a fresh attack on Rupert Murdoch's UK media empire, calling for new laws to curb the tycoon's power. Miliband, who has been leading the charge against the Murdoch empire after a fortnight of revelations, wants cross-party agreement on new media ownership laws that would cut Murdoch's current market share. He argues that Murdoch has "too much power over British public life" and that current media ownership rules are outdated, describing them as "analogue rules for a digital age". Miliband's intervention comes ahead of a dramatic appearance by Rupert Murdoch, his son James, and former News International chief executive Rebekah Brooks before the Commons culture, media and sport committee on Tuesday.

Key Takeaways:

  • Ed Miliband is calling for new laws to curb Rupert Murdoch's power and cut his market share in the UK media market.
  • Miliband argues that current media ownership rules are outdated and that Murdoch has "too much power over British public life".
  • He wants cross-party agreement on new laws that would prevent one person from owning more than 20% of the newspaper market, the Sky platform, and Sky News.
  • Miliband's intervention comes ahead of a dramatic appearance by Murdoch, his son James, and Brooks before the Commons culture, media and sport committee on Tuesday.
  • The Labour leader is also calling for an investigation into News Corp's stake in BSkyB, urging Ofcom to launch an investigation that could see the company forced to sell its stake in the satellite broadcaster.
  • The Liberal Democrats have written to Ofcom urging it to launch an investigation into News Corp's stake in BSkyB, citing the company's "effective control" of the broadcaster.
  • The Lib Dems argue that Ofcom has a duty to consider News Corp's conduct and influence over BSkyB's policy and strategic direction.
  • Aaurus of legal advice will be given to committee members grilling the Murdocch trio on Tuesday to avoid duplication of questions.

Statistics:

  • 39% - the minority share of BSkyB owned by News Corp.
  • 20% - the maximum percentage of the newspaper market, the Sky platform, and Sky News that one person can own under Miliband's proposed laws.
  • 7 points - the increase in Ed Miliband's personal rating in a recent poll.
  • August - the possible launch month for the Sunday Sun, which would further boost the Murdoch empire's penetration of the UK media market.

Sources:

  • The Guardian
  • The Observer
  • BBC Radio 4's Today programme
  • News Corporation Europe and Asia
  • Liberal Democrats
  • Ofcom

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