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Media Update
10 February 2022
Type
Written Ministerial Statement
Department
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
At a Glance
Issue Summary
The statement addresses an application by News UK for the release of undertakings accepted in 2019 related to the conditions set when newspapers were acquired by News International in 1981.
Action Requested
I confirm my decision to approve News UK's application and will notify them that the Undertakings relating to The Times and Sunday Times are to be released, based on a review of public interest considerations and market changes.
Key Facts
- On 1 February 2021, News UK submitted an application requesting the release of the 2019 Undertakings.
- DCMS issued a public ‘invitation to comment’ on 24 June 2021.
- The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) reported that releasing the Undertakings would positively impact News UK’s financial position.
- Ofcom concluded that the release of the Undertakings is unlikely to operate against the public interest needs for free expression of opinion and accuracy of news.
- On 25 November, I announced my minded-to decision to grant the request by News UK.
- The final decision was taken in accordance with the Enterprise Act 2002.
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