Ofcom and DTI slam Murdoch TV strategy

'Scuse me, while I piss off Sky

On Friday, Ofcom and the Office of Fair Trading both delivered reports to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) accusing Sky of behaving badly, the same day that Virgin laid down its case against the company.

The DTI's report found that Sky's purchase of 17.9 per cent of ITV could be considered anti-competitive and should be referred to the Competition Commission.

Ofcom's report, just minutes later, said there are significant public interest issues in Sky owning shares in ITV, noting that it's vital for media and television news to be owned by different people to ensure a plurality of information sources.

Ofcom and the DTI's findings follow on from Virgin submitting its case to the High Court, accusing Sky of abusing of its (alleged) monopolistic position in the Pay-TV business.

The reports will be considered by the DTI, where the Secretary of State has a month to decide what to do with them. ®