Government should say ‘no way’ to Abu Dhabi-backed takeover of The Telegraph, says ex-head of MI6
The TelegraphDec 09, 2023
UK Considers Barring Foreign Newspaper Ownership
The Facts
A UAE-led consortium is expected to shortly attempt to buy the British newspapers The Daily Telegraph and the Spectator. In response, the UK government said on Wednesday that it would support a law banning newspaper and magazine ownership from foreign entities.
Such legislation is expected to derail the planned £600M ($763M) sale of the Telegraph and the Spectator to RedBird IMI — a collaboration led by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the vice-president of UAE, and a privately owned US investment corporation.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
An autocratic state controlling two influential newspapers is utterly untenable on principle. In a democracy, newspaper editorial independence must be guaranteed. Worse, if the purchase goes through, the newspapers' new UAE owners may attempt to influence public opinion on UK foreign policy, particularly its complicated relations with China. This merger is inappropriate because it poses a significant security threat. The government must put a stop to it.
Establishment-critical narrative
RedBird IMI's offer to acquire the Telegraph and the Spectator demonstrates a commitment to preserving the publications' heritage while also protecting their distinct editorial focus and fearless journalism. Editorial independence and integrity must endure in a society where post-truth and alternative facts are rampant. The consortium demonstrates significant financial backing and can offer unrivaled investments to the newspapers, ensuring the newspapers' survival and jobs.