House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
Media Policy Update
29 June 2022 · Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Proposed by Nadine Dorries Con Mid Bedfordshire
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- The acquisition of Archant Community Media Limited by Newsquest Media Group Limited is under review for potential intervention based on public interest grounds.
- Ms Nadine Dorries decided not to intervene in the merger after receiving new information from the companies that alleviated her concerns about the diversity of local newspaper viewpoints.
- Both companies have been informed of this non-intervention decision, which does not preclude future interventions should additional relevant information come to light.
Issue summary
The acquisition of Archant Community Media Limited by Newsquest Media Group Limited is under review for potential intervention based on public interest grounds.
Action requested
I have decided not to intervene in the merger following new information provided by the parties that addressed my concerns regarding plurality of views in local newspapers. Officials have informed both companies of this decision without prejudice to future interventions if additional relevant information arises.
Key facts
- On 18 March 2022, Newsquest acquired Archant.
- DCMS wrote a 'minded to' letter on 26 April inviting further representations from the parties regarding potential public interest intervention under section 58 of the Enterprise Act 2002.
- New information provided by the merging companies addressed concerns over plurality in local newspaper markets, leading to my decision not to intervene.