Cameron denies supporting Murdoch empire in return for favourable coverage

London, Apr 30 (ANI): British Prime Minister David Cameron has said that there was no agreement between him and media tycoon Rupert Murdoch to support News Corp's business interests in return for favourable coverage.

"The idea there was some grand bargain between me and Rupert Murdoch-that is not true," Cameron said in an interview with The BBC.

Cameron offered support for embattled Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt, who has been accused of misleading parliament over his handling of News Corporation's BSkyB takeover bid.

Hunt has said he acted with 'scrupulous fairness throughout' the process and pledged to give evidence on the matter before Brian Leveson, a government-appointed judge who is conducting a public inquiry into British media practices.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Cameron backed Hunt, saying he had done an excellent job.

Cameron reiterated that he would not set up a parallel investigation into whether Jeremy Hunt broke ministerial rules, saying the Leveson inquiry must be allowed to take its course.

But he said he would act before the Leveson inquiry ended if evidence arose that indicated Hunt has acted improperly.

The UK government's links with News Corp., have come under scanner after the special adviser to Hunt resigned over his close contacts with the Murdoch-run company during its efforts to take full control BSkyB last year. (ANI)