Ofcom warns UAE-backed Telegraph bid risked press freedom

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 16 Oct, 11:58 · Archive

Ofcom found a UAE-backed consortium's attempted takeover of the Telegraph would have risked undermining free expression in the press.

Ofcom and the Competition and Markets Authority have published reports following a two-and-a-half year wait, examining the failed attempt by UAE-backed RedBird IMI to take over the Telegraph Media Group and the Spectator magazine. The reports concluded that the takeover deal may 'operate against the public interest' in relation to 'free expression of opinion in newspapers'.

RedBird IMI is majority-owned by Abu Dhabi's International Media Investments, an investment fund owned by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, vice president of the UAE and owner of Manchester City Football Club. The regulators raised concerns about the consortium's close links with the United Arab Emirates.

RedBird IMI withdrew from the proposed takeover in 2024 after the Government introduced rules banning foreign states from owning British newspapers and news magazines. The changes followed reports written by Ofcom and the CMA to then Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer.

Ofcom warns UAE-backed Telegraph bid risked press freedom — Image: Independent Business

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How it is being reported

Telegraph takeover by UAE-backed group would have risked press freedom – OfcomHowever, IMI said it ‘completely rejects’ Ofcom’s report, suggesting that Ofcom ‘failed’ to assess IMI as a commercial media company.Independent Business · 16 Oct, 12:42
Telegraph takeover by UAE-backed group would have risked press freedom – OfcomOfcom and the CMA have published reports over the attempted RedBird IMI takeover of the newspaper group, which collapsed in 2024.Evening Standard · 16 Oct, 11:34
Telegraph takeover by UAE-backed group would have risked press freedom – OfcomOfcom and the CMA have published reports over the attempted RedBird IMI takeover of the newspaper group, which collapsed in 2024.Independent Business · 16 Oct, 11:34

In this story: Telegraph Media Group · RedBird IMI · Ofcom · Competition and Markets Authority · Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan · United Arab Emirates

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