‘Block Fox bid for Sky’, says ex-guest claiming harassment

“These actions have led to an overhaul of Fox News Channel’s leadership, management and reporting structure, and have driven fundamental changes to the channel’s on-air talent and primetime programming line-up.”

But Dr Walsh – who was a guest on The O’Reilly Factor – and her lawyer, Lisa Bloom, who represents four women who say they were sexually harassed or discriminated against at 21st Century Fox, argue that Fox should not be allowed to succeed in its bid for Sky.

Ms Bloom said “there is an epidemic of sexual harassment and retaliation” at the firm.

“It’s phone hacking part two” she said.

When approached in New York by the BBC, Rupert Murdoch said he was not concerned about events at Fox.

“There’s nothing going on at Fox News,” he said.

“Fox News is getting record ratings … so I’m not worried at all”.

Former Fox news anchor Bill O’Reilly and the network’s chief executive Roger Ailes have both left the company, following allegations of sexual and racial harassment, which they deny.

The company’s co-president, Bill Shine, has also left. He is not accused of harassment.

Ofcom is examining the proposed takeover of Sky by 21st Century Fox in the light of media plurality and broadcasting standards.

Part of Ofcom’s investigation will include whether Sky’s potential new owners are “fit and proper”.

European competition authorities have already waved the deal through.

Both Sky and Fox are controlled by businessman Rupert Murdoch, who also owns the Times and the Sun newspapers.