Minister Considers Probe of Telegraph Sale as Ofcom Raises Concerns

Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer is considering further intervention after Ofcom raised concerns over the United Arab Emirates (UAE)-backed takeover of the Telegraph Media Group, the minister said on Tuesday. The watchdog has warned that the proposed merger “may be expected to operate against the public interest” in relation to accurate news reporting and free expression. Ms. Frazer said she’s “minded to” refer the deal for a Phase 2 probe in letters to the parties of the proposed merger. The parties were given a week to respond, before the culture secretary will make a final decision. Last year, Abu Dhabi-backed fund RedBird IMI reached a deal with previous Telegraph owners, the Barclay family, to take control of the newspaper group and fellow publication The Spectator, by paying off debts owed to their bank, Lloyds....