On November 20, 2017, Wigdor LLP Founding Partner Douglas Wigdor spoke at a panel discussion held at the British Parliament to inform lawmakers about corporate governance failures at 21st Century Fox—and their potential impact on broadcasting standards at Fox News amid its proposed $15.4 billion takeover of Sky Plc.
During the public meeting led by former Labour leader Ed Miliband, Mr. Wigdor responded to questions from Parliament about 21st Century Fox, along with Kelly Wright, a Fox News anchor who is involved in a lawsuit alleging systemic racial discrimination against the network, and Jessica Golloher, a former Fox News Radio correspondent who claims Fox discriminated against her on the basis of her gender in a separate lawsuit against 21st Century Fox.
Mr. Miliband, a vocal opponent of the Fox-Sky deal, said during the meeting that “a drive for commercial success overwhelms a commitment to decent, ethical standards” at Fox News. “Our contention is that Rupert Murdoch uses his media outlets to pursue a particular political point of view,” according to Mr. Miliband.
Mr. Wigdor also spoke before the U.K. Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) on Monday. The CMA is currently evaluating the proposed Fox-Sky deal with respect to its effect on media plurality in the U.K. and the company’s commitment to broadcasting standards.
Earlier that morning, Mr. Wigdor and Mr. Wright appeared on BBC Radio 4 Today to discuss the pending Fox-Sky deal.
“What you have is a systemic problem of corporate governance [at 21st Century Fox] which has had a factor in their broadcasting standards in the U.S.—which will probably spill over here [in the U.K.] if they’re permitted to purchase Sky,” said Mr. Wigdor when asked if management problems in the U.S. at Fox News are indicative of whether Fox should be allowed to take over another company in the U.K.
During the show, Mr. Wigdor said that the purpose of his appearance in the U.K. was “to tell the facts and let the regulators do what they think is appropriate.”
Mr. Wigdor currently represents over 20 current and/or former employees at Fox News in a various lawsuits against the network, including claims of sexual harassment, racial discrimination, retaliation and defamation, among others.
Bloomberg
“Ex-Fox News Employee Says She Was Blocked From Investigating Trump-Russia Ties”
November 20, 2017
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Hollywood Reporter
“Fox News Accusers Give Evidence to U.K. Regulator Reviewing Fox’s Sky Deal”
November 20, 2017
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Irish Examiner
“Presenter attacks Fox News’ ‘Inexcusable marginalisation of black men and women”
November 20, 2017
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The Daily Beast
“Ex-Staffer: Fox News Blocked Me From Probing Trump-Russia Ties“
November 20, 2017
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Variety
“Opponents of Fox-Sky Deal Speak Out at Houses of Parliament”
November 20, 2017
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Raw Story
“Ex-Fox employee: I was barred from investigating Trump-Russia — and fired for reporting harassment”
November 20, 2017
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Breitbart News
“‘Fox News Broadcasting Standards Could Spill over to Sky’ U.S. Witness to Warn UK Media Regulator”
November 20, 2017
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