DCMS calls on Ofcom to advise on latest feedback related to proposed Fox-Sky deal

A decision regarding the proposed merger between 21st Century Fox and pay-TV giant Sky has been further delayed, after the UK’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) confirmed it had written to local telecoms regulator Ofcom seeking ‘further clarification in relation to representations made on the Secretary of State’s referral decision’. In late-June 2017 UK culture secretary Karen Bradley revealed that she was ‘minded’ to refer the proposed GBP11.7 billion (USD15.2 billion) takeover deal to a ‘Phase 2’ investigation on the grounds of media plurality. Now, in its latest statement on the matter, the DCMS confirmed: ‘After assessing the large number of representations made in relation to the Secretary of State’s referral decision, a number of these raise new evidence and/or comment on the Ofcom assessment.’ As a result, the ministerial body has called on Ofcom to advise on several points arising from these representations, with the telecoms watchdog to provide its findings no later than 25 August 2017.