BSkyB declared fit after clearing Ofcom hurdles

British communications sector regulator Ofcom has declared that broadcasting and telecoms operator BSkyB is ‘fit and proper’ to hold its broadcast licences. In light of a public debate about phone hacking and other allegations concerning BSkyB’s parent News Corp, Ofcom had deemed it necessary to launch an investigation under the 1990 and 1996 Broadcasting Acts, which state that the watchdog (a) shall not grant a licence to any person unless satisfied that the person is a fit and proper person to hold it; and (b) shall do all that it can to secure that, if they cease to be so satisfied in the case of any person holding a licence, that person does not remain the holder of the licence.