Murdoch has been given the green light from the Culture Secretary to take over the rest of BSkyB. It came at a price though. Sort of:

“The undertakings offered would ensure that shareholdings in Sky News would remain unchanged, and indeed offer it more independence from News Corporation than it currently has.”

That same line worked during the takeover of the Times didn’t it? Murdoch only sits in on editorial meetings occasionally. Funding is secured for the loss-making channel and it will have its own board, but not everyone is convinced it will be enough. Brillo isn’t holding any punches this morning and just told Today:

“When it comes to deals, Murdoch is an Italian – The real negotiations begin once you have signed the deal. He will get his way in the end.”

Let the games begin…