Overview

• On August 13, Reporters Without Borders, Article 19 and Index on Censorship sent an open letter to Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy
• The NGOs called on the government to block the proposed £500 million takeover and open a formal investigation into foreign influence
• They highlighted Thornton’s advisory role at China Investment Corporation and former presidency of Silk Road Finance Corporation as a risk to media pluralism
• RedBird has denied any Chinese involvement and says the acquisition is aimed at boosting digital operations, subscriptions and international reach
• No public government decision or official probe into the deal has been announced to date