Ofcom combines BSkyB investigations

LONDON (Reuters) - Media regulator Ofcom will combine two of its investigations surrounding pay-TV operator BSkyB and produce one joint finding, but at a later date than originally planned, it said on Tuesday.

Ofcom is conducting an inquiry into competition in the wider pay-TV market, which is dominated by Sky, and a separate review of plans by the satellite group to launch paid-for channels on the popular free-to-air Freeview service.

Ofcom said on Tuesday it intended to publish a further consultation on each subject simultaneously by the end of summer 2008. It had previously hoped to give an update in the spring.

Analysts said a final decision on whether the pay-TV market should be referred for further investigation was likely to be delayed until after 2009.

No one at BSkyB was immediately available to comment. Rupert Murdoch's News Corp owns 39 percent of BSkyB.

(Reporting by Kate Holton; editing by Sue Thomas)