Files show extent of Murdoch lobbying

[TexasLawyer]

From today's Guardian UK:

Files show extent of Murdoch lobbying

Tycoon won ministers' assurance that he could bid for Channel Five

David Leigh and Rob Evans
Monday January 3, 2005
The Guardian

Freedom of information files released to the Guardian reveal how the media tycoon Rupert Murdoch wields extensive lobbying clout over the Blair government. Mr Murdoch secured private reassurances from ministers during heavy lobbying that he would be able to buy Channel Five if he wanted to, according to partly censored documents released by the culture secretary, Tessa Jowell.

In previously undisclosed meetings, representatives of the Murdoch empire were able to lobby ministers six times in a crucial five-month period when an important bill was passing through parliament. Citizens' groups have said they were unable to get similar face-to-face access to ministers.

There has been longstanding speculation that Mr Murdoch wants to buy Five, although he has denied that he intends to do so. His opponents fear that he would exert too much power if he was able to own a terrestrial channel as well as the satellite station Sky and four national newspapers.

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http://www.guardian.co.uk/freedom/Story/0,2763,1382402,00.html