News Corporation/BSkyB Merger Debate

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Baroness Bonham-Carter of Yarnbury

Main Page: Baroness Bonham-Carter of Yarnbury (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)

News Corporation/BSkyB Merger

Baroness Bonham-Carter of Yarnbury Excerpts
Thursday 3rd March 2011

(13 years, 8 months ago)

Lords Chamber
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Baroness Rawlings Portrait Baroness Rawlings
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The noble Lord, Lord Campbell-Savours, asks me about the subsidy to Sky News. I am not aware of any subsidy to Sky News as yet; and, if there is a subsidy, I am sure it will be published for everyone to see.

Baroness Bonham-Carter of Yarnbury Portrait Baroness Bonham-Carter of Yarnbury
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My Lords, can I press the Minister on a concern of mine, which is about retaining the quality of journalism on Sky News? Is the Minister satisfied that there are sufficient guarantees that News Corp will continue to fund Sky News properly, particularly considering the relentless forward march of new technology, which will necessitate considerable investment over future years? Just as a final thought, I have a feeling that the Telegraph must be thinking that it scored an own goal today.

Baroness Rawlings Portrait Baroness Rawlings
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My noble friend Lady Bonham-Carter is worried about continuing openness. News Corporation shares in Sky News will be unchanged as a result of the merger, and the independence of Sky News will actually be increased. It has an independent board and a new independent chairman, and we hope that they will keep the high quality.