U.K. Government Investigates Abu Dhabi-Backed Bid for The Telegraph
The British government has announced a review of Jeff Zucker's bid to acquire The Daily Telegraph and The Spectator, two influential publications in British conservative politics. The bid, backed mostly by funds from the United Arab Emirates, has faced criticism from Tories who fear undue foreign influence over The Telegraph's coverage. The review could delay the deal and allow rival bidders, including Rupert Murdoch and Lord Rothermere, to build opposition. Zucker has pledged to preserve editorial independence and insists that his Emirati financial partner would have no say in editorial matters. The review is expected to conclude by late January.