http://www.guardian.co.uk/freedom/Story/0,2763,1382402,00.html?=rssFiles show extent of Murdoch lobbying
Tycoon won ministers' assurance that he could bid for Channel Five
Freedom of information files released to the Guardian reveal how the media tycoon Rupert Murdoch wields extensive lobbying clout over the Blair government.
Mr Murdoch secured private reassurances from ministers during heavy lobbying that he would be able to buy Channel Five if he wanted to, according to partly censored documents released by the culture secretary, Tessa Jowell.
In previously undisclosed meetings, representatives of the Murdoch empire were able to lobby ministers six times in a crucial five-month period when an important bill was passing through parliament.
Citizens' groups have said they were unable to get similar face-to-face access to ministers.
(guess they didn't put enough money on the table)
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Documents released under freedom of information provisions and published today on Guardian Unlimited, the Guardian's website, show that as the bill started to go through the Commons in 2003, Mr Murdoch's lobbyists stepped up pressure on ministers. They wanted to confirm their free hand to take over other papers and TV stations.
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we should put a bullseye on Murdoch