An online democracy campaign, run by avaaz.org, to allow people to voice their protest at the imminent takeover of BSkyB by Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation is gaining pace.
As of last week almost 150,000 people had used the website to send a message to culture secretary Jeremy Hunt, asking that he and Prime Minister David Cameron delay Friday's takeover of BSkyB by News Corporation. The website is aiming for 200,000 signatures.
Avaaz.org, and those supporting the campaign, are arguing that the takeover would mean Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation would own too-large a part of the news media, for the good of British media, and should be referred to the Competition Commission, the body which oversees mergers and takeovers of the major regulated industries.
Opposition to the News Corporation/Sky deal has increased steeply following allegations that the News of the World newspaper, owned by News Corporation, used a private investigator to intercept mobile phone messages of victims and families during the trials related to the murder of Milly Dowler, the 7/7 bombing victims and others.
Responding to public pressure, Prime Minister David Cameron has agreed to a public inquiry into the phone hacking allegations but is not moving on the decision to allow the News International/BSkyb merger to go ahead.
Avaaz.org was set up in 2007 to enable people to use the internet as a democratic, campaigning tool and 'to bring people-powered politics to decision-making everywhere.' The word 'avaaz' means 'voice' in several European, Middle Eastern and Asian languages.
If you are interested in adding your voice to the campaign and seeing other campaigns running on Avaaz.org - you can visit their website.