What the Cunning Fox Really Wants

(by Shaun Hargreaves Heap) News Corporation’s withdrawal of the undertakings, that would have allowed its acquisition of BSkyB before the hackings crisis, looks like a masterstroke. By triggering a referral to the Competition Commission, it takes the heat out of the current ‘fit and proper’ debate and it gives News Corporation a re-match in the dispute over pluralism. Arguably, the outcome on this issue can be no worse than before, and so the only drawback is the delay. Rupert Murdoch’s decision to take full ownership of BSkyB had nothing to do with short term expediency, he is one of the great strategists in the industry.  The current media and political frenzy is missing the key question.  Why is Murdoch so determined to gain 100% control of BShyB?