Britain said on Tuesday it would refer the UAE-led takeover of the Telegraph for a lengthy review, a move that will effectively kill the deal because a law banning foreign governments owning newspapers is due to come into force in coming months. Abu Dhabi-backed RedBird IMI took control of the Telegraph titles and the Spectator...
Foreign state control of British newspapers is to be outlawed, effectively blocking the UAE’s attempted takeover of The Telegraph. Ministers revealed plans on Wednesday “explicitly to rule out newspaper and periodical news magazine mergers involving ownership, influence or control by foreign states”. The move, announced by Lord Parkinson, the culture minister, was made to see off a...
Lord Forsyth of Drumlean’s bold stance against foreign influence in British media has ignited a debate on press freedom and ownership, raising concerns over censorship and editorial independence. Explore the implications of the proposed UAE-backed acquisition of the Telegraph newspapers and The Spectator, and the legislative responses advocating for safeguards to protect editorial independence and...
UAE-backed deal could be disastrous for UK government and freedom of press, opponents say. MPs have attacked the proposed UAE-backed takeover of the Telegraph newspapers, warning that it is impossible to “separate sheikh and state” and calling for further investigations to be launched before the deal “turns into a disaster for the government”. Julia Lopez,...
The Abu Dhabi fund pursuing a takeover of The Telegraph has been accused of “last-minute smoke and mirrors” after it revised the deal prompting further delays and uncertainty. Writing in The Telegraph, the former Conservative leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith said the changes were “undoubtedly an attempt to convince the regulators and responsible ministers that...
Move is aimed to ensure the Government’s review of the proposed deal is not impeded upon. The Culture Secretary has blocked an Abu Dhabi-backed fund from taking control of The Telegraph while she carries out a review of a proposed takeover deal. Lucy Frazer today issued a “hold separate” order that prohibits ownership of the...
This paper has a proud history of promoting women’s voices, including mine. It has to continue in that vein. Our government has passed the ;rst test. In issuing a Public Interest Intervention Notice (PIIN) in response to the United Arab Emirates funded bid to buy the Telegraph titles and The Spectator magazine, culture secretary Lucy...