On the evidence currently available and having taken into account all the relevant factors, UK’s regulatory and competition authority Ofcom (Office of Communications) considers News Corporation’s BSkyB (Sky) fit and proper to hold its broadcast licences.

In July 2011, in light of the public debate about phone hacking and other allegations, Ofcom confirmed that it had a duty to consider whether Sky was fit and proper to continue to hold its broadcast licences.

In one of the points in its decision published 20 September 2012, Ofcom noted that upon its review, Sky’s compliance record over the period 2006-2012 been good, and that under James Murdoch’s tenure as chief executive officer (November 2003 to December 2007) and later as non-executive chairman (December 2007 to April 2012), Sky continued to be a successful company.

Ofcom’s duty to be satisfied that a licensee is fit and proper is ongoing. It noted that should further relevant evidence become available in the future, Ofcom would need to consider that evidence in order to fulfil its duty.