BSkyB seeks to distance itself from News Corp

Satellite broadcaster BSkyB sought to distance itself from the controversy over phone hacking at its biggest shareholder yesterday, after lawmakers suggested the ties to Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp might endanger its licence.

Chief executive Jeremy Darroch used the publication of record nine-month results to stress BSkyB’s importance to Britain’s economy, as the country’s media regulator investigates whether it should hold a broadcasting licence in the light of the hacking scandal.

“I would emphasise it’s important to remember Sky and News Corporation are separate companies,” he told reporters. “We believe that Sky’s track record as a broadcaster is the most important factor in determining our fitness to hold a licence.”