Watchdog to probe News Corp licence

BRITAIN’S media watchdog said it will contact police to determine if phone-hacking allegations at the News of the World are relevant to whether News Corp would be a “fit and proper” owner of satellite broadcaster BSkyB.

Ofcom is required to ensure that anyone – including controlling directors — holding a broadcast licence remains fit and proper to do so.

The regulator said it was monitoring the unfolding situation at News International and the News of the World carefully and would be contacting relevant authorities to help it fulfil this duty.