shitter

4 Jul 2006

George Osborne and his wife throw dinner for James Murdoch and his wife and the Camerons

4 Apr 2007

James Murdoch and his wife dine with the Camerons

31 May 2007

David Cameron hires Andy Coulson as his spin doctor, at George Osbornes suggestion

The Observer: The Tories bring on a new spinner

22 Jan 2008

James Murdoch breakfasts at Stafford hotel with David Cameron, at the intiative of Rupert, to discuss David Camerons political views.

The Guardian: From 'lightweight' to likely PM - how David Cameron convinced Rupert Murdoch to back him

15 Jul 2008

The Camerons dine with James Murdoch and his wife

16 Aug 2008

Cameron flies out on Matthew Freuds plane to meet Rupert Murdoch on his yacht off Santorini

The Guardian: Tories try to play down Aegean dinner

29 Oct 2008

The Camerons have James Murdoch and his wife to dinner, along with William Hague and his wife

1 May 2009

PR man Frederic Michel hired by James Murdoch to lobby for BSkyB

3 May 2009

James Murdoch and his wife have the Camerons, Rebekah Wade and her fiancee to lunch

13 Jun 2009

Rupert Murdoch and David Cameron meet at Rebekah Brookss wedding

The Guardian: Soaraway guest list at Sun editor's lake wedding

6 Jul 2009

David Cameron makes speech saying Ofcom is an unaccountable bureaucracy". OFCOM as we know it will cease to exist. Its policy making functions will transfer to DCMS when Tories get in.

Full text of the speech

8 Jul 2009

Phone-hacking. Guardian reveals News of the World cover-up with potentially thousands of victims. News International denies it

The Guardian: Murdoch papers paid 1m to gag phone-hacking victims

28 Aug 2009

James Murdoch uses McTaggart Lecture in Edinburgh the main industry platform of the year to attack the BBC and Ofcom. Says A radical reorientation of the regulatory approach is necessary if dynamism and innovation is going to be central to the UK media industry. Intervention should only happen on the evidence of actual and serious harm to the interests of consumers: not merely because a regulator armed with a set of prejudices and a spreadsheet believes that a bit of tinkering here and there could make the world a better place. Says the BBc is dumping free, state-sponsored news on the market:. The next day he says the licence fee must be cut and the BBC made much, much smaller.

The Guardian: James Murdoch hits out at BBC and regulators at Edinburgh TV festival

10 Sep 2009

James meets Cameron at the George Club and tells him the Sun will switch to the Tories

The Guardian: From 'lightweight' to likely PM - how David Cameron convinced Rupert Murdoch to back him

21 Sep 2009

The Camerons dine with James Murdoch and his wife at James's house

30 Sep 2009

The Sun spoils Gordon Brown's conference speech by switching its support to the Conservatives

The Guardian: Sun turns its back on Labour after 12 years of support

7 Oct 2009

BSkyB sponsors networking event for Jeremy Hunt and Ed Vaizey to meet industry leaders

The Guardian: a list of The Conservatives' contact with News International

2 Nov 2009

James Murdoch and Rebekah Brooks breakfast with Cameron

15 Dec 2009

Rupert Murdoch breakfasts with Cameron

19 Dec 2009

Rebekah and Charlie Brooks hold their first Christmas dinner. At the table: Rupert Murdoch, James Murdochs and his wife, David and Samantha Cameron, and the Osbornes

28 Jan 2010

Rupert Murdoch meets Cameron

29 Jan 2010

Rupert sees Cameron again at Davos

12 Feb 2010

James Murdoch meets Jeremy Hunt. Discusses Sky commercial interests including BBC and media regulation

6 May 2010

Conservatives emerge from election as biggest party

The Guardian: Clegg deal or no deal?

10 May 2010

Over the course of May, Rupert Murdoch takes tea at No 10, famously arriving at the back door, and meets George Osborne. James Murdoch and Rebekah Brooks also meet Osborne

Guardian: full list of meetings

15 Jun 2010

BskyB bid publicly announced, spearheaded by James Murdoch. But the Lib Dem business secretary Vince Cable is the key regulator

James Murdoch's witness statement: I telephoned Mr Cable ... . I offered to meet him 8.42 am Michel to Matthew Anderson [Jamess senior aide]: Vince Cable call went very well. He [Cable] did say he thought There would not be policy issue in this case. We should have recorded him! He didnt seem much on top of it ... . We discussed that it would not be necessary for him [James] to see Cable too soon as we wouldnt want to raise too much interest on the case. 4.23pm Michel to James Had a call from Hunts adviser. Said there shouldnt be media plurality issue and believed the UK government would be supportive throughout the process 5.34pm Michel to Lawrence Jacobs: [NewsCorp general counsel in New York ]Jeremy just called. He did an interview with the FT today, after his chat with JRM [James Murdoch]. He was asked about Sky/NC. Said it was a matter for competition authorities but he didnt see any problems.

Guardian reportSee the email

16 Jun 2010

The Financial Times reports: There were early indications the UK government would not put up barriers to any deal. Jeremy Hunt, UK culture secretary, said: "It does seem to me that News Corporation do control Sky already, so it isn't clear to me that in terms of media plurality there is a substantive change, but I don't want to second guess what regulators might decide."

FT report

15 Sep 2010

Bad news for Newscorp. Reports surface that Vince Cable will refer the bid to official regulator, Ofcom

Frederic Michel to James Murdoch: Jeremy Hunt is not aware and thinks its not credible at all. He is checking now

Guardian reportSee the email

5 Oct 2010

Frederic Michel to James Murdoch: Rebekah [Brooks] and I had a very useful meeting today with Jeremy Hunt on the bid which I will debrief each of you on

See the email

7 Oct 2010

Frederic Michel sends Jeremy Hunt a NewsCorp briefing paper via Hunt's chief of staff Adam Smith

Confidential URGENT ... . briefing memo for Jeremy

See the email

8 Oct 2010

Frederic Michel to Matthew Anderson [a senior NewsCorp executive] The Coulson/NI [News International, owners of the News of the World] issues are agitating Cables political base in a major way, and there is absolutely no upside in trying to use NI in any lobbying

See the email

11 Oct 2010

Adam Smith to Frederic Michel on the NewsCorp briefing paper: Jeremy response to this - persuasive.

See the email

12 Oct 2010

NewsCorp consider using Murdoch editors as bait to reach Cable and his colleague, Michael Oakeshott

Frederic Michel to Rebekah Brooks: It was suggested that we should try a very soft approach with him; get him meet with James Harding [editor of the Times] to get his views on some of the BIS key items like migration cap; and get me to pop in at some stage to give him an update on the current battle we face and inform his views. It would be a much better setting than a direct lobbying conversation ... . [Libdem peer Lord Clement-Jones] said [Lord Oakeshott] would be VERY receptive to a message from Patience [Wheatcroft, then editor of the Wall St Journal Europe] on this

See the email

21 Oct 2010

Rupert Murdoch comes to London to deliver Thatcher lecture at Centre for Policy Studies

Guardian report

1 Nov 2010

Frederic Michel branches out into Scottish politics

Frederic Michel to James Murdoch: Scotland confidential. Mission accomplished. LibDem MP, former Sky employee with major Sky customer centres in his constituency and around, will contact Vince Cable to ask him to bear in mind the economic/investment point of view rather than getting influenced by political games ... . Alex Salmond is very keen to also put these issues across to Cable and have a call with you tomorrow ... . His team will also brief the Scottish press on the economic importance of NewsCorp for Scotland

See the email

4 Nov 2010

Major setback for the Murdochs. Cable does refer the BSkyB bid to Ofcom, to report by 31 December

The Guardian: Vince Cable refers News Corp's BSkyB bid to regulator

7 Nov 2010

James Murdoch and his wife lunch at Chequers with Cameron

The Guardian: a list of David Cameron's meetings with the media and Chequers guests

8 Nov 2010

Giles Wilkes, Vince Cables adviser, refuses to meet Michel

Michel to James Murdoch: He said he believed there were huge risks for me to meet with him to talk about anything that has to do with the Ofcom business which he rules out completely ... . I also am having follow-up calls with David Laws and Clegg on this

See the email

9 Nov 2010

Michel reports on a meeting with Rupert Harrison, an adviser to George Osborne

Frederic Michel to James Murdoch: [Harrison] ... ... Confirmed tensions in the coalition around Vince Cable ... . Vince made a political decision probably without even reading the legal advice, as was confirmed to us also by Vicky Price and David Laws yesterday ... . He was very much taken by our commitment to Scotland and Alex Salmonds desire to support us. ... . Rupert and I will have an ongoing dialogue in the weeks to come

See the email

10 Nov 2010

James Murdoch has a telephone conversation with Hunt

15 Nov 2010

James and Michel arrange to meet Hunt, while Michel tries again to arrange a meeting with Vince Cable's adviser Giles Wilkes

11.23am Frederic Michel to Matthew Anderson: Hunt is calling JRM [James] re tonight problem 11.32am Michel to James: Hunt meeting urgent. Jeremy tried to call you. He has received very strong legal advice not to meet us today as the current process is treated as a judicial one (not a policy one) and any meeting could be referred to and jeopardise the entire process. Jeremy is very frustrated about it but the permanent secretary has now also been involved. ... . You could have a chat with him on his mobile which is completely fine and I will liaise with his team privately as well 6.19pm Michel to Giles Wilkes [Cable's adviser, who earlier declined a meeting]: When would be good for you? Wilkes to Michel: Let us assume it is when a Google of Vince Cable, News International and Sky doesnt turn anything up! ... . Im sure were both interested in staying within the bounds of proper conduct

Michel's email to MurdochMichel's email to Wilkes

23 Nov 2010

Frederic Michel to James Murdoch: I will have a session with Hunts adviser next Wednesday to update on Ofcom process ... . Jeremy has also asked me to send him relevant documents privately. Also next week, meeting at No 10 with Cameron and Cleggs adviser on creative industries

See the email

29 Nov 2010

James Murdoch lobbies George Osborne on the bid. I expressed my concern at the slow progress with the regulatory process

The Guardian: a list of The Conservatives' contact with News International

30 Nov 2010

Paul Marshall - a Lib Dem multi-millionaiare hedge fund manager - writes to James Murdoch after being approached to see if he can get a message to Cable suggesting a meeting

Paul Marshall to James Murdoch: Vince is highly independent-minded so I can make no promises as to his greater willingness to hold a meeting [ ... .] There must be an easy win for you in terms of providing an additional level of editorial independence (or the appearance thereof), whether at Sky News or at the papers, which will appease the critics.

See the email

2 Dec 2010

Michel reports back on conversations with unnamed advisers to Nick Clegg and David Cameron

Michel to James Murdoch:

See the email

14 Dec 2010

Ofcom write an "issues letter" to say they do think there are plurality issues to address, and invite NewsCorp to comment

Michel to James and Brooks: Very good debrief from Hunt on the issues letter. He is pretty amazed by its findings ... . and clear bias ... . He very much shares our views on it. We are going to find a way for you to meet with him one/ one before Xmas Brooks to Michel Same from GO [presumably George Osborne] total bafflement at response

9 Dec 2010

Times editor James Harding meets Vince Cable. Cable says no one joined the meeting

17 Dec 2010

Rupert Murdoch meets George Osborne in New York. Osborne has already met Brooks the same month

The Guardian: a list of The Conservatives' contact with News International

21 Dec 2010

Good news for Newscorp. Vince Cable is removed from bid decision for revealing he had declared war on Murdoch, and Hunt is put in charge. Cameron condemns Cable's comments as "totally unacceptable and inappropriate"

6.15pm Michel to James: [He has spoken to Cleggs chief of staff Jonathan Oates] Subject: Clegg confidential Just spoke. He is absolutely furious. Said Cables comments unacceptable. I ran through role of Telegraph, Cable about to be blackmailed, demands made by Oakeshott and co, need to question the integrity of the entire process. There are other reasons for Cable to be kept in ... .

Guardian reportSee the email

22 Dec 2010

The cabinet secretary, Sir Gus O'Donnell, says he has taken legal advice and decided Hunt has not pre-judged the bid, and thus is a fit person to carry out the "quasi-judicial" role of ruling on it

Guardian report

23 Dec 2010

Rebekah and Charlie Brooks host second Christmas dinner in Oxfordshire. The Camerons and James Murdoch both present. They discuss the bid. James has told Leveson: I recall speaking briefly to the prime minister ... . about the proposal ... . I would have appreciated assurances that the process would be handled objectively in the future

The Guardian: Cameron's dinner with News International executives: the questions Downing Street refuses to answer

24 Dec 2010

5.25pm Michel to James Murdoch and others Just spoke to JH [presumably Jeremy Hunt]. Said he was very happy for me to be the point of contact with him/Adam on behalf of JRM [James Murdoch] going forward. Very important to avoid giving the 'anti' any opportunity to attack the fairness of the process and fine to liaise at that political level

See the email

31 Dec 2010

Ofcom report to Hunt that there is indeed a plurality problem, which may require a reference to the Competition Commission

11.35am Michel to Alice McAndrew [former NewsCorp PR chief for Europe]: Jeremy Hunt and his team have not received it yet ... . We already know privately Jeremy will not look at it before next Wednesday. Not to be repeated

Guardian reportSee the email

6 Jan 2011

James Murdoch has formal meeting with Hunt and officials at DCMS

10 Jan 2011

Michel suggests to James Murdoch that Hunt would appreciate some friendly coverage. Mark Littlewood, director general of the Institute of Economic Affairs, issues a statement supporting the BSkyB bid two weeks later, and blogs for the spectator a month later. David Elstein, former Thames TV and Sky executive, writes two pieces for Open democracy website supporting the bid.

7.31pm Michel to James Murdoch: Spoke to Hunt will debrief 8.24 pm ... . He [Hunt] made again a plea to try and find as many legal errors as we can in the Ofcom report and propose some strong and impactful remedies. He is keen to meet next Tuesday or Wednesday to discuss our submission. He said he would not be influenced by the negative media coverage but would welcomed [sic] other opeds like Littlewood or Elstein in the coming days

See the email

11 Jan 2011

Michel to James: Confidential: Just had a call with JH concerning several political/Parliament issues which will arise this week around Rubicon process on which he has asked for my help to prepare him

See the email

14 Jan 2011

Smith, Hunts chief of staff, sends a formal letter to NewsCorp

Adam Smith to Frederic Michel: Subject: As discussed ... . The Secretary of State will ... . be publishing Ofcoms report but he has not taken a final decision about when this will happen ... . Due to the Secretary of states quasi-judicial role it is not possible to provide any further details at the moment

See the email

17 Jan 2011

NewsCorp follow Hunts advice to devise impactful schemes to spin-off Sky News, termed undertakings in lieu [UIL] of a competition commission inquiry

8.16am Frederic Michel to Adam Smith: hello! Let me know when we can catch up. We are finalising the undertaking proposal today. 18.49 FM rings Adam Smith 19.19 Frederic Michel to James Murdoch: Project Rubicon - undertaking in lieu proposal just spoke to JH. Will report separately

See the email

18 Jan 2011

News Corp formally submit UIL [Undertakings in lieu] proposal to Hunt

20 Jan 2011

James Murdoch has second formal meeting at DCMS with Hunt and officials

21 Jan 2011

Andy Coulson resigns from 10 Downing Street

The Guardian: Andy Coulson resigns as phone-hacking scandal rocks Downing Street

23 Jan 2011

8.59 am Michel to Anderson: Update - confidential He still wants to stick to the following plan ... . Monday receive further details on the UIL ... . Tuesday publication of OFCOM report ... . announcement he has received UIL proposal and is looking into it ... . Then in 2 weeks time he announces ... . has received a very substantial UIL He predicts it should all be done by mid-Feb ... . His view is that once he announces publicly he has a strong UIL, its almost game over for the opposition. He very specifically said he was keen to get to the same outcome and wanted JRM to understand he needs to build some political cover on the process ... . He said we would get there in the end and he shared our objectives 7.24pm text to Adam Smith: thanks for the call today 8.39pm Michel to James: CONFIDENTIAL UPDATE I had a very constructive conversation with JH tonight. Please read all the below. He is keen to look at the UIL tomorrow ... . He will as he confirmed yesterday, go ahead Tuesday with publication of the Ofom report, our submission, and announce he is looking at UIL. He will not say he is minded to accept in the statement ... He is keen to see our legal letter on process early tomorrow morning. I have ran him through it ... . He thinks that publication of the Ofcom report ... . does help to buy him some time politically ... . while signalling that a strong UIL is being considered ... . He is keen for me to work with his team on the statement ... . and offer some possible language. Thats really good news ... . For the statement Tuesday: he agrees with the idea of making clear that he has received a very strong UIL which is worthy of consideration or strong enough to be looked at very seriously.We will work on the language ... . .He agrees with the idea that we need him to at least qualify the findings of the Ofcom report in his statement to neutralize as much as possible the onslaught which will follow ... . He is going to think about it overnight. He could for example say that Ofcom did not form a view on sufficiency of plurality, or mention the two may ... . It will already signal that he is not being led by Ofcoms view and is looking at a serious solution.

See the first emailSee the second email

24 Jan 2011

Hunt's office supply NewsCorp with advance details of market-sensitive statement to be released the following morning

12.13pm Michel rings Adam Smith 12.21pm text from Michel to Adam Smith please give me a call when suitable 3.21pm Michel to Rupert Murdoch Confidential JH STATEMENT Managed to get some infos on the plans for tomorrow [although absolutely illegal!] Press statement at 7.30am ... . Lots of legal issues around the statement so he has tried to get a version which helps us by qualifying the threats identified by Ofcom ... . JH will announce ... . that he wishes to look at any undertakings that have the potential to prevent the potential threats of media plurality identified in the Ofcom report. He will then say that News Corp wished for him to consider a UIL and he has asked Ofcom and OFT to assist him in that process ... . He is keen to see JRM on Wednesday or Thursday to finalise the viability side of the UIL. 5.50pm Michel rings Adam Smith 6pm Michel to James More details on the statement. At the end, JH will indicate that if it produces a UIL ... . which I propose to accept, then I will start the formal consultation which will last 15 days 7.02pm Michel to James I had a chat with him re timing between tomorrows statement and the consultation launch. They will ask OFT for advice asap tomorrow and hope to have a speedy feedback ... . Hopefully it could be just a week 7.03pm Michel texts Adam Smith thanks for your patience today 9.31pm Michel texts Adam Smith are you publishing the Slaughters and May opinion tomorrow? [These were critical representations made by lawyers acting for the media coalition opposed to the bid, which included Guardian News and Media] 9.51PM Text from Adam Smith to Frederic Michel no

See the "absolutely illegal" email

25 Jan 2011

7.30am Hunt statement. As planned, he offers to consider News Corps UIL scheme to protect media plurality and avert a Competition Commission inquiry

7.51 am Michel to James Murdoch JH said he did keep the narrative on potential to ... . potential threats from Ofcom, [sic] which is good 8.03am text to Michel from Adam Smith: Theres plenty potential to mitigate problems! We cant say they are too brilliant otherwise people will call for them to be published. Will check on meetings 8.11am Michel to James JH just said there was plenty of support for the remedy in the statement potential to mitigate problems ... . he cant say they are too brilliant otherwise people will call for them to be published 9.35am text to Michel from Adam Smith Other than what Jeremy and I have told you! We have no legal wiggle room in a statement to parliament. 10.06am Michel to James Murdoch Just had a chat with JH ... . why not stronger support of the remedy ... . He said he had no legal wiggle room in a statement to Parliament; that its all exactly as he said yesterday and he only needs some space to prevent any accusation of deal-making at this stage 3.28pm Adam Smith rings Michel 5.43pm Michel to James JH is getting advice from Jon Zeff [DCMS official] on the process ... . as we speak ... . He is meeting Zeff tomorrow morning 10.26pm Text from Michel to Adam Smith I think were in a good place tonight, no? 10.29pm reply from Adam Smith I agree. Coverage looks ok. Lets look again in the morning though! 10.50pm Michel to James Just had update on todays events with JH ... . JH believes we are in a good place tonight. Lets see what the mornings coverage brings

See the email

26 Jan 2011

Metropolitan Police officially re-open NOW phone-hacking inquiry Operation Weeting

1 Feb 2011

Jeremy Hunt gives a written answer to the Commons: "As set out in the Enterprise Act I have to make the decision about the News Corporation BSkyB bid in a quasi-judicial role." He denies he or his special adviser have consulted anyone at Number 10.

4 Feb 2011

5.27pm Michel texts Adam Smith Are you able to send me the Enders and Slaughter docs? 5.30pm reply from Adam Smith I havent actually got them at the moment. Officials just told me about them. Dont mention them to anyone like OfT etc. If we need them, Ill show you 5.37pm Michel to James Latest from JH this evening ... . Feels overall the process is in a good place. He has received enormous pressure from Enders and Slaughter/May to take into consideration their evidence ... . I am trying to get the docs but it might be difficult. He feels the heat will be absolutely massive from the Mail, Guardian, Independent, Telegraph once the UIL is known and is ready to take the flak for it if the UIL is strong enough

See the email

9 Feb 2011

Ofcom demand better safeguards from News Corp

2.13pm text to Michel from Adam Smith Am hoping for an update later on on process so will let you know if anything new 2.26pm Michel to James JH is trying to get further update by end of today on process and hopefully also on OFTs feedback 4.52pm text from Michel to Adam Smith bad news from Ofcom. We need to talk 4.56pm text from Adam Smith to Michel not heard anything other than our internal process ... . Im around if you want to ring 16.59 text from Michel to Adam Smith we have a problem. Just got ofcom feedback. Will call you. 5.32pm text from Adam Smith will call asap 7.24pm Michel to James Murdoch As agreed on the call, I have managed to get JH quickly before he went in to see Swan Lake - and have further chat. He really feels this Ofcom letter is ... . the last throw of the dice for Ed [Richards of Ofcom] to block the deal He ... . shares our frustration we all know what Ofcoms intentions are and have been from the start on this ... . he cant instruct his officials to get back to Ofcom as he is not supposed to be aware we have received the letter and its content ... . he feels ... . we should look at the longer-term view might be a price worth paying to get a green light in 2 weeks. He asked whether we would be prepared to negotiate at all ... . I told him he had to stand for something ultimately ... . and show he had some backbone. He said he couldnt ignore Ofcom, he had brought them into this OFT process to get some cover and in public debate he would get absolutely killed if he did such a thing

See the Swan Lake email

11 Feb 2011

Michel spends a day working with advisers to Alex Salmond and hearing from Jeremy Hunt

1.16pm Michel to James Sky News/Scotland I met with Alex Salmonds adviser today. He will call Hunt whenever we need him to. He noticed a major change in the Suns coverage recently ... . He believes the time has come to organise a First Ministerial debate ... . He would be very keen for Sky News to organize it with Adam. [apparently Adam Boulton, who did preside over such a debate on 25 April] 6.47pm Michel to James CONFIDENTIAL URGENT JH called: he now knows what OFCOM and OFT will send him tonight: both will recommend he refers to CC [Competition Commission] ... . JH doesnt want this to go to the CC ... . JH believes it would kill the deal ... . he will let me know the details tonight

See the Salmond emailSee the Murdoch email

15 Feb 2011

NewsCorp offer to guarantee a spun-off Sky News for 10 years only

10.35pm Michel to James Murdoch: On 10 years term ... . I asked JH tonight. He confirmed it was not an issue but was happy to clarify in the morning

See the email

16 Feb 2011

News Corp offer revised "Undertakings in lieu" or UILs

8.38am Michel to James Just spoke to JH what you outlined for the letter is perfect. No need to mention or try to justify 10-year as its not an issue for JH at all ... . will get [letter] to JH directly at lunchtime 5.34pm JH read and very impressed ... He is looking forward to defend this in Parliament/media and feels it will have strong impact in the consultation

See the email

18 Feb 2011

9.35am Michel to James JH will instruct Jon Zeff to call OFT. Jon will ask them to ignore the 10-yr carriage item and focus on clearing the UIL

See the email

22 Feb 2011

11.17am: Michel to James Ive alerted JH to the content of both letters

See the email

23 Feb 2011

5.06pm Michel texts Adam Smith call me URGENT 5.38pm Frederic Michel to James Murdoch Important
Jeff just debriefed JH. He is not impressed he is going to speak to Jon Zeff and see both why Ofcom is intruding in the process in that way 8.42pm Debriefed JH. His team talked to ofcom tonight and is having a call w oft in the morning

See the first emailSee the second email

24 Feb 2011

Ofcom tell Hunt they are not completely satisfied with UIL proposals

8.25am Text to Michel from Adam Smith They said this was a promising basis from which to work in their advice to JH. Not quite complete acceptance 9.06am reply Let me know JHs view before 11am when I speak to James please. Important call 9.21am Michel to James JH confidential Observed that Ofcom in their letter to him said our proposal was a promising basis from which to work but not quite complete acceptance. He is looking into how stringent the latest ... . issues are for Ofcom and will call back later this morning 10.12am Michel to James: just ran JH through this again 10.13am text from Adam Smith to Michel We will still go with whatever Ofcom recommends 10.43am text to Michel from Adam Smith We cant interfere with the process really. We can give more time but not deal with the substance whilst they are working with you 10.51am Michel to James JH just texted that he cant interfere with the process but can give us more time to sort things out. He cant engage with the substance whilst Ofcom is working with us, he can only use his officials to put pressure at this stage 11.25am Michel to James JH just said after a long talk, he will still go with what ofcom recommends 2.02pm JH has spoken to Ofcom 3.01pm were getting there ... . JH said after his call to Ofcom they wanted the committee to have visibility but would be ready to give up on items like the chairman and recommend to consultation tonight 6.25pm once ofcom has written to JH tomorrow we need to keep it as much possible confidential until consultation JH just suggested we plan quickly the redacted versions to publish and the messaging strategy for the launch 8.23pm Michel to Adam Smith We should ... . push for a composite report which only opines on the UIL to be put to consultation not on previous versions ... . let me know ... . Also there are practical difficulties of having 2 reports 8.41pm Adams to Michel Let me have a think and talk to officials and I will let you know in the morning

See the emails

2 Mar 2011

Michel makes further forays into Scottish politics

4.04pm:ALEX SALMOND - PLEASE READ Alex Salmond called. He had a very good dinner with the Editor of the Sun in Scotland yesterday. The Sun is now keen to back the SNP at the election. The Editor will make his pitch to the Ed team tomorrow Alex wanted to see if we could help smooth the way for the process. ... . He would be very keen to welcome Fred and Kathryn [?Murdoch] in Edinburgh with his Minister ... . He also asked whether we could go for dinner at Bute House before the election campaign kicks off on 22 March. On the Sky bid he will make himself available to support the debate if consultation is launched

See the email

3 Mar 2011

Hunt announces green light for revised deal, subject to competition concerns. The announcement follows a flurry of late night emails between Michel and Murdoch.

1.32am Michel to James Murdoch JH wants to see if OFT will agree with our latest proposal ... . he will call me around 2am to discuss ... . He has his statements ready to go tomorrow morning 3.02 am JH taking me through process for tomorrow now 3.25am Urgent. JH decision Decision made by JH. He is minded to accept in lieu and will release around 7.30am to the market. Quote from JH ... it addresses all media plurality concerns ... JH statement to parliament will say that its a very strong UIL ... 10.43am Adam Smith texts Michel Oral statement confirmed for 1500 ... Off to rome on a 16.55 flight ... I feel my work is nearly done 10.49am Michel to James quick update JH and co formal statement ... scheduled for 1500. Just been confirmed. Tory backbenchers have now been lined up. JH will take a call from Salmond today. JH confirmed he took a call from Enders very supportive of it. He is very surprised by tone of the coalitions release [The media alliance opposing the bid called Hunts green light statement a complete whitewash]

Guardian reportSee the emails

10 Mar 2011

3.14pm Michel to James Murdoch JH confidential had 1-hour catch-up today he called all the key editors last Thursday to explain his decision. Paul Dacre [editor of the Mail] was clear that their campaign was purely motivated for commercial reasons and fears around bundling. JR [Judicial Review] - he doesnt see any rationale for a successful one ... . he has been so painfully rigid and careful ... .Decision should be made beginning of week 28 March ... I will have another catch-up with JH tomorrow 15.23 Michel text to Adam Smith Thanks for catch-up. Speak tomorrow afternoon

See the email

16 Mar 2011

Michel to James: JH ... . update this morning on the feedback ... . its a non-issue in Westminster and the coalition lacks credibility arguments. Lets hope it stays that way

See the email

22 Mar 2011

Michel to James: Update on Rubicon BT submitted own document JH said why does BT have a view on plurality? ... . Not impressed by Slaughter & May and does not see anything new. He will give the Media Coalition a meeting ... . being very careful on process ... . He strongly believes there are enough commitments on editorial independence ... . and does not buy the ... plurality argument at all ... . He will stand by and defend the 10-year period ... . The carriage and brand licensing deal will have to be sent to OFT ... . He will ask them to do this speedily 9.09 pm Michel text to Adam Smith: thanks for the catch-up

See the email

23 Mar 2011

8.55 am Michel to James: Subject: JH confidential - please read JH would welcome our critical views on the Slaughter & May submission to help him forge his arguments 8.04 pm Michel text to Adam Smith: when are you seeing media coalition? 8.26 pm reply: tomorrow afternoon 8.55: ok will send you a doc 8.47 pm Michel to James: Subject: JH confidential JH will be meeting Media Coalition tomorrow. I ran him through our key arguments this evening and we will do another briefing in the morning

See the email

24 Mar 2011

7.55 am Michel text to Adam Smith: memo will be with you by 9 am 7.56 am reply: many thanks! 7.57 am: I think you and JH will find it useful 8.46 am Michel to James: just ran JH through it before ... this afternoons meeting with the media coalition

See the email

30 Mar 2011

1.08 pm Michel text to Adam Smith: did Jeremy just said on media show decision unlikely before 26 april? 3.21 pm reply: definitely be weeks away, yes 3.27 pm Michel to James: just spoke to JH He confirmed process will not be finalized until mid-April given the demand for details from Ofcom ... . he said it was weeks away

Guardian reportSee the email

31 Mar 2011

Michel to James: Just spoke to JH ... . [JH] debriefed on his meeting with the media coalition. In a nutshell: they looked miserable ... . and know they have lost the battle

See the email

5 Apr 2011

Two News of the World journalists arrested

The Guardian: Phone hacking: two News of the World journalists arrested

13 Apr 2011

Michel to James: Catch up with JH ... . debriefed him on the NOW [News of the World] issues ... . There is no question that NOW will not play any part in his decision ... . He managed to avoid a massive backlash against the deal despite attempts by Prescott and other Labour figures. Given the current onslaught in the media ... . there will be a strategic decision to make for the government as to the day it will choose to clear the deal. We know it will clear it. We just need to push them strongly now to announce it as early as possible.

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19 Apr 2011

Michel text to Adam Smith: any news re timetable? text fm Adam Smith: Ive got JH meeting officials on it this afternoon to push ahead quicker. Will let you know how we get on Michel to James: Subject: JH confidential following our numerous discussions over the last few days, JH now meeting official specifically on the timetable this afternoon to push ahead quicker

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21 Apr 2011

5.53 pm Michel to Adam Smith: It took almost a month for OFT/Ofcom to put questions to News ... . The regulators are using the time to re-open 2nd-order points ... . We need to bring this process to a close 18.01 reply: I disagree ... . you need to answer their questions quickly to allow them to give Jeremy advice ... . lets catch up next week Michael to James: JH had detailed chat ran him through it all. He basically disagrees with us on this ... . only delay will be if they have to keep going back to us again if they [OFT] dont get satisfactory answers ... . He thinks we can get this done by end May/first week of June

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6 May 2011

11.47 am Michel to James: debriefed JH asked me to inform him later today of any remaining obstacles in our conversations with oft

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13 May 2011

Sienna Miller awarded 100k damages over phone hacking

The Guardian: Sienna Miller accepts 100,000 from News of the World

17 May 2011

During the day, contacts continue at the adviser level. In the evening is Rupert Murdoch's News Corp summer party. Cameron meets him.

9.36 am Michel text to Adam Smith: Let me know any news on the timeline/progress for sky please 4.16: Need to talk to you re sky asap 7.01 pm: Michel to James JH confidential Further to his call with him one hour ago, JH just called back ... . He might give you a call in the coming days. He understands our frustration on the process

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20 May 2011

There are reports that the bid clearance is being delayed.

7.42 am Frederic Michel to Adam Smith You could have warned me about yesterdays speech!!! 8.13 am Adam Smith to Frederic Michel It wasnt a speech. It was one remark to journalists and doesnt say anything different to what Ive said to you. Will take as long as it takes 8.19 Frederic Michel to Adam Smith You did tell me by 24 June ... . I might need James to call JH. Lets discuss 8.21 am Adam Smith to Frederic Michel and that hasnt changed. But we cant tell journalists that, can we! 8.43 am Frederic Michel to James Murdoch JH Confidential JH told me this morning that his remarks to journalists (It wasnt a speech) last night should not surprise us and he has to say it will take as long as needed I challenged him on the timetable and he said again he thought it would be done by 24 June, but its not something he could tell journalists. We might want to use a call from JRM to JH to put further pressure on or raise some alarm bells

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29 May 2011

Michel to Adam Smith: It does the seem the timetable you outlined to me is slipping away massively and we might want to consider our options ... . seems that Ed Richards has been given very much a free ride on this and is doing his best to delay

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2 Jun 2011

1.37 pm Adam Smith to Frederic Michel: Over the last few days I have been causing a lot of chaos and moaning from people here on your behalf. I should have an update later today 1.41 pm Michel to James: JH just called ... . said that over the past few days he has been causing a lot of chaos and moaning from people at DCMS on our behalf. I should have an update later today

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3 Jun 2011

10.29 am Michel text to Adam Smith: Waited for your call. Lets speak in I hour. We really need to speak before mid-afternoon, given whats going on 1.13 pm Michel to James: JH confidential Had conversations with him today. Blame game going on regarding the delay. His update: He has not met or discussed w Ed Richard directly ... . is politically very keen to get this done as quickly as possible ... . also asked whether there were any other news which could conflict with the process in the coming weeks, and asked me to keep him informed privately [ie NI] ... . I have painted to him what could happen ... . and what it would mean for him and his department to be openly accused of not providing us process etc. He believes there will be overall green light given by everyone by end of next week ... . Final decision still being planned for week c 20 June

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6 Jun 2011

6.18 pm text to Michel fm Adam Smith: I havent got an answer yet so nothing really to add ... . am getting an answer tomorrow 6.30 pm text from Michel to Adam Smith: James is not making any more commercial concessions ... . might even exit the process if consultation doesnt take place next week. Very serious reply Thats your call obviously and not something that would change Jeremys thinking, I will let you know where I get to tomorrow 8.55 pm Michel to James: As discussed, I just had very strong conversation with JH and explained we had now no intention of engaging further in any more commercial negotiations with OFT or OFCOM ... . I insisted he needed to get a grip ... . I also floated the threat that ... . we could decide at any moment to withdraw ... . JH repeated he was definitely keen to see this through as quickly as possible

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7 Jun 2011

5.20 pm Michel to Adam Smith: Ed Vaizey [junior minister under Hunt] I have now asked his office [Craig] why NC has been unable to meet with Ed since the general election prior to the election, Ed met with us many times We cant understand a valid reason ... . I would recommend, before things get a little tricky internally, that he sees me for 30 minutes 5.24 pm reply: I would think its obvious why he hasnt met News Corp. The same reason Jeremy isnt coming to the Summer Party 5.27 pm Its not obvious. He is not in charge at all of the Sky deal 5.29 pm reply: You cannot seriously think that Ed meeting with News Corp whilst the deal is going on wouldnt be an issue 5.32 pm:Its a very punitive decision. I feel victimized! ... . by the way does that mean you and Jeremy will not be coming to Take That on 4 July? [presumably a joke]

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8 Jun 2011

7.20 pm Michel text to Adam Smith: finally heard back from DCMS ... . positive news is that there are no significant new asks 7.29 pm reply: good stuff. Still on track then 7.30 pm Michel text to Adam Smith: consultation could even be triggered some time next week 7.35 pm Michel to James:I have just updated JH ... . still on track for a consultation to be triggered sometime next week

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15 Jun 2011

From Victoria Kaye DCMS lawyer: I fear I am not in a position to share an indicative target date with you Michel to Adam: She says she is not able to share it with us. Not that there is not one reply Theres no inconsistency ... . There isnt one!

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16 Jun 2011

Cameron attends Rupert Murdochs summer party and meets him

The Guardian: Jeremy Hunt to shun Murdoch party ahead of Sky announcement

20 Jun 2011

Rupert at Times CEO Summit where Cameron gives keynote speech. Possible Rupert breakfast with PM diarized. Some 300 NoW emails from NI's solicitors Harbottle and Lewis are given to Scotland Yard. They allegedly show that Mr Coulson had authorised payments to police officers

Guardian report

22 Jun 2011

Ofcom and OFT submit final revised detailed agreements to Hunt

The Guardian: News Corp's BSkyB bid: Jeremy Hunt expected to give green light next week

27 Jun 2011

Michel to Adam Smith: Let me know if you have a more detailed idea of the timetable for the next few days reply No more details on timings just yet

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30 Jun 2011

Hunt finally greenlights the bid, subject to one final consultation

7.48 Michel text to Adam Smith: Just showed to Rupert! Great statement by the way! 8.37 text to Michel from Adam Smith: Ivan [Lewis MP] and Tom [Watson MP] have asked for an urgent question. Find out soon if Speaker permits 8.42 reply: thanks a lot. Let me know 8.52 Tom Watson q at 10.30 11.15 Michel text to Adam Smith: Solid performance! ... . Watson was ... . Watson. Nothing challenging the UIL really ... . Let me know if you need an update on phone-hacking stuff 11.56 text to Michel from Adam Smith: It can be made in recess. Jeremy keen to do it before if possible though. Thought they were all predictable and Jeremy dealt pretty easily with them 12.05 Michel to James: JH just told me he was very keen to make the final decision before 18 July . Clearance CAN be made during recess but he is very keen to make it before that 8.48pm text to Adam Smith: Think we are in a good place, no? 8.50pm reply: Very, yes. Jeremy happy. 9.00pm Michel to James: JH debrief Had a debrief with JH and his team tonight at 7pm just before he left to his constituency. He is very happy with the way today went and especially with the absolutely idiotic debates led by Watson and Prescott

Guardian reportSee the email

4 Jul 2011

Guardian reveals News of the World hacked Milly Dowlers phone

The Guardian: Missing Milly Dowler's voicemail was hacked by News of the World

6 Jul 2011

David Cameron announces an inquiry will be set up

The Guardian: Phone hacking: David Cameron bows to calls for public inquiries

7 Jul 2011

Rupert Murdoch announces closure of the News of the World

6.01pm Michel to James: JH-CONFIDENTIAL - please read Latest on Rubicon: Was not discussed at No 10 meeting that Hunt had with the PM Was discussing the two inquiries [police one led by a judge; and media practices one not with a judge and led by DCMS ] ... . Important to dispel idea that he might send it to CoCO or put a pause in the process ... . The closure of NOW does not affect JH decision and if anything helps the media plurality issue by weakening our voice ... . The Cabinet divisions reported in the press are much more to do with the hacking saga rather than the deal itself ... . Feels that both BBC and Guardian have been extremely helpful in reporting accurately that he has no room in his decision

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8 Jul 2011

Andy Coulson is arrested over phone-hacking allegations

10.06 am Michel text to Adam Smith: does this mean you want to send it to ofcom? 10.52 am reply: not sure yet. Getting advice etc together 10.56 am: so I guess you will send it again to ofcom :) 10.56 am Michel to James: JH just told me he might send the deal to Ofcom again to reassess its opinion. He is getting legal advice together as we speak

Guardian reportSee the email

11 Jul 2011

News Corp withdraw their proposals. Prime Minister says News Corp should focus on sorting out the wrongdoing at News International. "That must be the priority, not takeovers, so it is the right decision, but also the right decision for the country too."

11.00 am Michel to James: I spoke to Hunt and I can predict that he will send the bid to the competition commission once he has received Ofcoms advice ... . We discussed the need to make sure the next 24 hours are used to find the right way of announcing our decision [whatever it is] and that we are seen as helping the government find a solution and take the heat off the Commons vote.

Guardian reportSee the email