The problem with Rupert Murdoch and his clan, most critics would agree, is that they are too close to politicians. Ministers and opposition leaders have long co-sied up to News International, his British newspaper company-and the attraction is mutual. But this week, at Lord Justice Leve-son's long-running inquiry into press misconduct, the intimacy gave way to bunny-boiling acrimony. Jeremy Hunt, the culture secretary, was the main victim. Mr Hunt's misfortunes stem from the Murdochs' bid to acquire full control of BSkyB, a British satellite broadcaster, be- ginning in 2010. News Corporation already controlled the company through a 39% shareholding. But politicians and media rivals fearful of the firm's heft (it owns four national British newspapers) fought hard against the purchase. Some wanted it blocked on the ground that it would erode media plurality. Others called for the bid to be referred to the Competition Commis-sion-a slow, unpredictable process that the Murdochs were anxious to avoid.
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