The British government has ruled that 21st Century Fox should not be allowed to purchase pay-TV group Sky (SKYAY) without further review.

U.K. culture secretary Karen Bradley announced the decision on Thursday.

She said the transaction raises public interest concerns because it could give the family of Rupert Murdoch too much influence over British media.

The ruling is a major setback for Murdoch, who had hoped to add another crown jewel to his media empire.

CNNMoney (London) First published June 29, 2017: 7:09 AM ET