Murdoch expands influence at Premiere

 Rupert Murdoch's company News Corp. has increased its influence in the pay-TV channel Premiere. News Corp. announced in New York on Monday that it now holds a 25.01 percent stake. The group had previously held just under 23 percent. However, Murdoch is facing headwinds with the takeover: the EU Commission wants to investigate his stake in Premiere. It is examining whether the acquisition of shares gives the media mogul too much power in the company. Following Murdoch's broad-based investment, Premiere also announced an expansion of the Supervisory Board from three to six members. The subscription broadcaster has recently been struggling with problems with black viewers and is hoping for a boost in subscribers following a change to its encryption system in the second half of the year.