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To: Ofcom - the UK broadcasting regulator

RUPERT MURDOCH IS NOT A "FIT AND PROPER" PERSON TO RUN SKY

THIS PETITION asks Ofcom to open an inquiry under the 1996 Broadcasting Act [s3(3)].
The Act charges the watchdog with making sure current licence holders are "fit and proper" people to hold licences.
In 2012 Ofcom held an inquiry under this provision - but, despite criticisms, decided Rupert and his son James could keep the Sky licence.
A mass of new evidence has since emerged about the appalling lack of good governance at Murdoch's companies.
It's time for Ofcom to reconsider its verdict on the media mogul.

Why is this important?

RUPERT MURDOCH is expected to launch a bid for the 61 per cent of Sky he does not own.
This would be a disaster for the UK.
If he succeeds his media penetration will approach Berlusconi levels of domination.
His previous attempt to take over Sky in 2011 was thwarted at the last minute by the revelation that the News of the World hacked the phone of murdered schoolgirl Milly Dowler.
If he gets total control of Sky, Murdoch will quickly start the process of turning it into a UK version of the despicable Fox network in the US.
This would be the equivalent of the Sun on our TV screens.
Currently, Ofcom keeps a tight rein on UK broadcasters - in stark contrast to the poodle-like press "watchdog" IPSO.
But Murdoch now has David Cameron and his culture secretary John Whittingdale on side.
Cameron has made it clear in the past that he thinks Ofcom is too powerful.
This 38degress petition is part of The People v Murdoch campaign launched by the investigative website Press Gang.
Already we've written to Ofcom chief executive Sharon White asking her to launch an inquiry.
Read more in the Press Gang article
http://wp.me/p3kXx7-dY
This is a key battleground ā€” the stakes could not be higher.
If Ofcom deems Murdoch unfit, then he'll be forced to give up control of the 39 per cent of Sky.
The empire would start to unravel ...
The clock is ticking ā€” please sign the petition!

Updates

2016-01-17 11:48:03 +0000

50 signatures reached

2016-01-15 23:16:33 +0000

25 signatures reached

2016-01-15 17:29:52 +0000

10 signatures reached