Round 1

The battle for ITV has turned into a war of words between Sir Richard Branson and the Murdoch clan. Branson is fuming over BskyB’s 18% purchase of ITV, calling it a «reckless and cynical attempt» to stifle competition. In one clean move, the UK pay television group, run by James Murdoch, has stymied NTL’s own ambitions to take over the UK broadcaster, and by extension, Branson’s aim to become a media mogul via his Virgin group’s 10.6% share in the cable group. Branson’s frustration is palpable....