Murdoch has too much political influence, say 60% in poll

Almost 60% of British people believe that Rupert Murdoch has too much influence on the country's politics, according to a new poll.

And 64% believe that if Murdoch's News Corporation is allowed to acquire total ownership of BSkyB it will grant Murdoch and his company too much power over the media.

These are two key findings from a YouGov poll that was commissioned by Avaaz, an international civic organisation that promotes activism on issues such as human rights, climate change and religious conflicts.

It comes two weeks after culture secretary Jeremy Hunt announced that he had accepted New Corp's undertaking to hive off Sky News to a separate company. An agreed consultation period runs out on Monday (21 March).

YouGov's online survey found that just 7% of respondents believe that Hunt made the right decision not to refer the media giant to the competition regulator.

Furthermore, 41% stated that they oppose the proposed deal, with just 5% expressing support. More than 20% said that they believe this decision may affect how they vote at the next general election.

Avaaz is running a global online petition called UK: Stop Rupert Murdoch, which, at the time of writing, has attracted 361,813 signatories.

The US-based media watchdog Media Matters is encouraging people who share its concerns to write to Hunt and urge him to protect public interest by referring Murdoch's bid.

Ilyse Hogue, a senior adviser with Media Matters, said: "This poll confirms what we have been hearing from our British counterparts, that there's genuine concern with Rupert Murdoch's growing power over the media and influence on UK politics.

"Our experience in the States with News Corp has underscored that that alarm is justified. Giving him the opportunity to expand his international media empire will have real impact and set a dangerous precedent for future expansion of News Corporation."

She added: "We sincerely hope that Jeremy Hunt will listen to the British people expressing their discomfort and safeguard not just the UK but the international community from Murdoch's continuing efforts to increase his hold on the world's media."

Note: YouGov's survey, which involved 2,295 adults, was undertaken on 16-17 March.